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.