Ways to Save Outside

• Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants. Chunks of bark, peat moss, lawn clippings, or gravel slows down evaporation. Saves 750 to 1,500 gallons a month.
• Use rain barrels or other methods to collect rain water to use for watering plants. Cover the barrels when not raining to prevent mosquitoes.
• Use a pool cover to cut down on evaporation. It will also keep your pool cleaner and reduce the need to add chemicals. Saves 1,000 gallons a month.
• Water during the cool parts of the day. Early morning is better than dusk since it helps prevent the growth of fungus. Saves 300 gallons.
• Don't water the lawn on windy days because the water evaporates faster. Can waste up to 300 gallons in one watering.
• Deactivate automatic sprinklers as they will water even when it doesn’t need it or while it is raining. Can save up to 300 gallons each time.
• Set lawn mower blades one notch higher. Longer grass means less evaporation. Saves 500 to 1,500 gallons each month.
• Have an evaporative air conditioner? Direct the water drain line to a flower bed, tree base, or lawn.
• Drive your car onto a lawn to wash it. Rinse water can help water the grass.
• If you allow your children to play in the sprinklers, make sure it's only when you're watering the yard--if it's not too cool at that time of day.
• Xeriscape. Replace your lawn and high-water-using trees and plants with drought resistant plants. That'll save 750 to 1,500 gallons a month.
• Dispose of hazardous materials properly. Just one quart of oil can contaminate 250,000 gallons of water.
• Use a broom to clean sidewalks and driveway instead of a hose.