Outdoor Water Conservation

Irrigation 101

When it comes to watering our lawns, it isn't always as simple as just turning on a sprinkler and letting it wet the yard. In some cases, you may be underwatering or overwatering your grass, which can do more harm than good. To maximize the use of your irrigation system and to make the most of every drop, it is important to water only when needed and to apply just the right amount of water.

The amount of water you need to use to irrigate your lawn depends on temperature and season. During the winter, most grasses go dormant and require little water. In the spring and summer when the grass is growing and temperatures rise, your lawn may need to be watered regularly.

To determine how much water your sprinkler system is producing, put out some straight-sided containers around your yard, such as a tuna can. These size cans represent one inch of water. Turn on your watering system and start a timer. When the containers are full, turn off the water. Be sure to time how long it takes to fill the containers so you’ll know how long to leave the sprinkler on each time you are watering the grass to apply an inch of water.

JCSUD customers can sign up to receive weekly watering advice from Water is Awesome. This program will send you a notification each Monday informing you if you need to water your lawn that week based on recent and forecasted precipitation. It will even tell you how much water needs to be applied and provide you with other irrigation tips. Sign up for Weekly Watering Advice by clicking here.

Other Ways to Conserve Water Outdoors

Water lawns early in the morning or late in the evening during the hotter summer months. Otherwise, much of the water used on the lawn can evaporate before soaking into the soil. To avoid excessive evaporation, use a sprinkler that produces large drops of water rather than a fine mist. Sprinklers that send droplets out at a low angle also help control evaporation. Adjust sprinkler heads as necessary to avoid waste and ensure proper coverage.

Use drip irrigation systems for bedded plants, trees, or shrubs, or turn soaker hoses upside-down, so the holes are on the bottom. This will help avoid evaporation and use less water.

Although we are more likely to notice leaks indoors, don't forget to check outdoor faucets, sprinklers, and hoses for leaks, so your irrigation system is working at its most efficient capability.