Infographic: Lawn and Irrigation System Tips (Text Alternative)

Simple Things We Can All Do

Step on it 

Step on the lawn. If the grass springs back, it doesn't need water.

Leave it long

Longer grass promotes a more drought-resistant lawn, reduced evaporation and fewer weeds.  

Take a sprinkler break

Grass isn't really meant to be bright green in the summer. 

Simple Things Irrigation System Owners Can Do

Homes with automatic irrigation systems can use about 50% more water outdoors. 

Timing is everything

Plan to water in the early morning or evening to beat daytime evaporation.

Go with a pro

Contractors certified through a WaterSense-labeled program can audit, install or maintain home irrigation systems so no water is wasted. 

Look for the label

If your system uses a clock timer, consider upgrading to a WaterSense-labeled controller that acts like a thermostat for your lawn, using local weather data to determine when and how much to water. They can reduce irrigation water use by 15%, saving nearly 8,800 gallons of water per year. 

Tune up your system

Just one broken sprinkler head could waste up to 25,000 gallons of water and more than $90 over a 6-month irrigation season -- the cost of about 300 daffodil bulbs. 

Inspect irrigation systems and fix leaks and broken or clogged sprinkler heads. 

Make sure you're watering the lawn, not the sidewalk or driveway!

WaterSense, a partnership program by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), seeks to protect the future of our nation's water supply. For more tips on reducing outdoor water use, visit EPA's Outdoor Water Use page.