Outdoor

Outdoor Water Saving Tips

Schedule a FREE Water Wise Outdoor Survey with Valley Water!
- The surveyor will assess your current irrigation system and identify any equipment or practices you can change to save water.
- The surveyor can even let you know if you qualify for the Landscape Rebate Program and help measure your landscape.
Adjust your irrigation schedule throughout the year, cut your irrigation to a third in the fall and turn off during most winters— 20+ gallons/day*
- Do not water yards during and within 48 hours after rainfall.
- Water during the cool part of the day
Use BAWSCA’s Water Calculator tool to optimize your irrigation schedule and keep your garden thriving while saving water http://bayareagardening.org/calc/
Use a broom instead of a hose to clean sidewalks or other hard surfaces – 8 to 18 gallons/minute
Cover pools and spas when not in use.

Use hoses with a shut-off nozzle or a handheld bucket.
Apply 2″ to 3″ of mulch around trees and plants to reduce moisture loss—20 to 30 gallons/day
Adjust sprinklers to prevent overspray and runoff—12 to 15 gallons/day
- Don’t allow sprinklers to water your street, driveway or sidewalk.
Repair leaks and broken sprinkler heads—10 gallons/minute

Replace lawn with a water-wise garden—30 to 60 gallons/day/1,000 square feet*
- Participate in the Landscape Conversion Rebate Program!
Install drip irrigation for trees, shrubs, and plants—15 gallons/day*
Update to a weather based irrigation controller that automatically adjusts watering times based on local weather conditions— 24+ gallons/day**
Install a graywater laundry-to-landscape system—17 gallons/day*
Install covers on pool and spas to reduce evaporation— 30 gallons/day
Repair pool leaks—can be over 200 gallons/day

Learn About Lawn Care During a Drought. More info
* Rebates may be available. More info

Visit Bay Area Gardening to learn more about water wise gardening!