Outdoor Water Conservation Checklist

Lawns and Irrigation    

• Don't drown your lawn! Most of the year, lawns only need one inch of water per week. As a general rule, lawns only need watering every five to seven days in the summer and every 10 to 14 days in the winter. A hearty rain eliminates the need for watering for up to two weeks. Buy a rain gauge and use it to determine how much rain your yard has received.
• Watch the clock!  Water lawns during the early morning or late evening hours when temperatures and wind speed are the lowest. This reduces water losses from evaporation.
• Water only things that grow.  Don't allow sprinklers to water your street, driveway or sidewalk. Position them so water lands on the lawn and shrubs... not the paved areas!
• Consider dripping.  Install irrigation devices that are the most water efficient for each use.
• Micro and drip irrigation and soaker hoses are examples of water efficient irrigation methods.
• Be Rain Smart.  Adjust your irrigation system as the seasons change. 
• Do routine inspections.  Check sprinkler systems and timing devices regularly to be sure they operate properly.
• Did you know???? Florida law and Pasco County Ordinance now require that anyone who purchases and installs an automatic lawn sprinkler system MUST install a RAIN SHUTOFF DEVICE or switch which will override the irrigation cycle of the system when adequate rainfall has occurred. To retrofit your existing system, contact an irrigation professional for more information.
• Raise the blade!  Adjust the lawn mower blade to at least three inches or to its highest level. A higher cut encourages grass roots to grow deeper, shades the root system and holds soil moisture better than a closely clipped lawn.
• Do not over fertilize your lawn. Fertilizer applications increase the need for water. Apply fertilizers that contain slow-release, water-insoluble forms of nitrogen.

Water-Conserving Landscaping

• Plant it smart!  'Florida-Friendly' landscaping is a great way to design, install and maintain both your plants and irrigation system. More importantly, it will save time, money and water. For free information on 'Florida-Friendly' landscaping, contact your Water Management District or your local Cooperative Extension Service.
• Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil. Mulch also helps control weeds that compete with landscape plants for water.  
• DO NOT use cypress mulch.  Using cypress mulch encourages destruction of cypress trees, which are wetland trees.          
• Plant native and/or drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees. Once established, they do not need water as frequently and usually will survive a dry period without watering.
• Put the right plant in the right place!  Group plants together based on similar water needs into zones.
• Use a rain barrel/cistern to harvest rainwater for your houseplants, garden, or planter beds.  Rain barrels like this one can be made from 50 to 55 gallon food-grade drums.  Larger containers are available and affordable too.  This example of a functioning rain barrel is located at the Dade City Cooperative Extension Service Office.

Water-Wise Ways

• Do not hose down your driveway or sidewalk.
• Use a broom to clean leaves and other debris from these areas.
• Use a shut-off nozzle on your hose that can be adjusted down to a fine spray so that water flows only as needed. When finished, turn it off at the faucet instead of at the nozzle to avoid leaks. Check hose connectors to make sure plastic or rubber washers are in place. Washers prevent leaks.
• Do not leave sprinklers or hoses unattended. A garden hose can pour out 600 gallons or more in only a few hours. Use a kitchen timer to remind yourself to turn sprinklers off.
• Avoid purchasing recreational water toys that require a constant stream of water.
• Consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water. If you wash your own car, park on the grass and use a hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle.
• Avoid the installation of ornamental water features (such as fountains) unless the water is recycled.
• If you have a swimming pool, consider a new water-saving pool filter. A single back flushing with a traditional filter uses 180 to 250 gallons of water.