Water your lawn and plants in the early morning

During the heat of the day, much of the water you apply to your lawn and plants will simply evaporate, a counter-productive exercise that wastes water. Watering in the early morning – typically by 10:00 am – is ideal, because temperatures have not yet peaked for the day, giving the water a chance to penetrate the soil. 

You can use the quadrant method, dividing up your irrigation area into quadrants, and tending to each quadrant for a set amount of time. There’s no need to water every day; a general rule is to apply around 2 inches of water to your lawn per week, or every 2-4 days as needed depending on how dry your lawn is.

Don’t water your lawn and plants in the evening.

Many people water their plants and lawns in the evening hours, but this should be discouraged since evening watering can lead to fungal growth, waterlogging, and soil erosion. Without the sun to help evaporate excess water, it is left to soak overnight which is both a waste of water and time.

Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalks.
Using a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalks is not only wasteful but can also contribute to runoff. Instead, use a broom to sweep away dirt and debris.

Fix leaks promptly.

A small leak may not seem like a big deal, but over time, it can add up to a significant amount of wasted water. Be sure to fix leaks promptly, especially sprinkler system leaks in the summer, to avoid wasting water and money.

Use a pool cover.

Using a pool cover can help reduce water evaporation if you have a swimming pool. This will not only save water but also help you save money on chemicals and heating costs.

Take shorter showers.

One of the easiest ways to conserve water is to take shorter showers. You can save gallons of water each day by cutting your shower time down to just a few minutes.

Install low-flow showerheads and faucets.

Low-flow showerheads and faucets can help you save water without sacrificing performance. Installing these fixtures saves up to 60% on water usage.

Use a rain barrel to collect rainwater.

A rain barrel is a great way to collect rainwater that can be used to water your plants and lawn. This can be a cost-effective way to conserve water and reduce your water bill.

By following these summertime water-saving tips, we can all do our part to conserve water and protect our planet.