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Outdoor Water Conservation

Watering our yards equals approximately 75% of our daily water use.

By making conscious adjustments to how we water our yards, we can save thousands of gallons of water and solve up to 90% of yard and garden pests and problems. Just by reducing one sprinkler zone watering time by 10 minutes can save up to 600 gallons of water everytime your sprinklers run. Here is an extensive list of ways your family could reduce water waste outdoors. How many gallons can your family save?

  • Adjust your lawn mower height 2.5 to 3 inches. Taller grass means deeeper roots.
  • Leave grass clippings on your lawn to cool the round and help hold in the moisture.
  • Have SlowThe Flow come do a water audit on your sprinkler system to fine tune your watering system.
  • In clay based soils, aerate your lawn each spring or fall for better water penetraion and root growth.
  • Reprogram your srinkler system for spring and then again for summer and then again for fall for best use of water as the climate changes.
  • If walking across your grass leaves footprints (blades don't spring back up), it is time to water your grass.
  • If installing a new lawn, use a seed or grass mix that is best suited for our dry climate.
  • Fertilizing your lawn requires your lawn to use more water. Only fertilize as needed.
  • Remember to regulary check your sprinkler system for cracks and leaks. Kepp your system in good repair.
  • Each spring, check the coverage of your sprinkler heads and make adjustement. Over time, sprinklers can move slightly and end up watering sidewalks and driveways.
  • Set your sprinklers to water late at night or early in the morning to reduce evaporation.
  • Remember to only water on scheduled water days. Odd number houses water MWF. Even numbers house water TThS. No watering on Sundays
  • Water only when necessary. More plants die from overwatering than underwatering.
  • Water your plants more deeply and less often to encourage deep root growthand drought tolerance.
  • Always remember to set a timer when watering with a hose to prevent overwatering and water waste.
  • Prune your plants properly to help your plants use water more efficiently.
  • If you have lasndscape on hills, split your watering time in half and water twice to allow for deeper watering.
  • Try planting plants together that require similar water reqquirements.
  • Use native plantings or drought tolerant plantings to reduce water consumption.
  • Check out the Central Utah Gardens to see how you can better conserve water.
  • When you give your pet fresh water, use the old water to water a plant.
  • Use a hose nozzle to better control the water flow of your hose.
  • Wash your pets outdoors in an area that needs a little extra water.
  • Report broken pipes, leaking hydrants or errants sprinklers to your the City Public Works department.
  • Use a commercail car wash that recycles thw water.
  • Know where your master water shutoff valve is in case of needing to shut off your water quickly.
  • Use a broom instead of a hose to clean sidewalks, driveways, and patios.
  • Winterize outdoor spigots when temperatures dip below freezing to prevent broken pipes.
  • If you have an evaporative cooler, direct drainage to plants that could use the extra water.
  • When cleaning out a fish tank, give the nutrient rich water to a non-edible plant.