Top 4 Ways to Cut Your Outdoor Water Use

1. Smart Sprinkler
Install a new watering system. Rain Bird’s $92 Simple To Set Timer provides independent control of zones, plus seasonal adjustments. Some systems even use real-time weather data to decide when to water.

 
2. Mower Height
Do away with the buzz cut once and for all. Set your lawnmower height to a lofty 3 in. Longer blades promote deeper root growth, allowing the soil to retain more moisture. 

3. A New Swim Cap
A properly fitting cover can slow evaporation from your swimming pool, reducing water use by nearly 30 percent. 

4. Drip. Drip. Drip.
For trees and flowerbeds, consider applying low-volume drip irrigation directly to the roots, which reduces waste, runoff and evaporation. The parts can cost less than $30. Also, water first thing in the morning (ideally before sunrise) to minimize evaporation.