Lawn

• Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
• Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.
• If water runs off your lawn easily, split your watering time into shorter periods to allow for better absorption.
• Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn shades roots and holds soil moisture better than if it is closely clipped.
• Check the root zone of your lawn or garden for moisture before watering using a spade or trowel. If it’s still moist two inches under the soil surface, you still have enough water.
• Choose shrubs and ground covers instead of turf for hard-to-water areas such as steep slopes and isolated strips.
• Walkways and patios provide space that doesn't ever need to be watered. These useful "rooms" can also add value to your property.
• Spreading a layer of organic mulch around plants retains moisture and saves water, time and money.

Outdoors

• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk and save water every time.
• Don’t forget to check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks.
• Use a commercial car wash that recycles water.
• When the kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area where your lawn needs it the most.

Pool

• Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps.
• If you have an automatic refilling device, check your pool periodically for leaks.
• Make sure your swimming pools, fountains, and ponds are equipped with recirculating pumps.

More information

• Lawn irrigation schedule calculator (Excel)
• Water budget calculator (Excel)

Fact sheets

• Groundcovers
• Mulching planted areas
• Ornamental grasses
• Outdoor water efficiency checklist
• Proper soil preparation
• Right grass, right place
• Tree care during a drought
• Water leaks
• Why is my lawn brown?

Xeriscape

• Xeriscape brochure
• Xeriscape water conservation resources
• Water-wise plants
• Demonstration gardens
• Xeriscape resources

Other water resource agencies

• American Water Works Association is a national leader in water education.
• Colorado Foundation for Water Education is one of the premier organizations for educating the state on water issues.
• Irrigation Association has extensive information on irrigation, including educational opportunities for industry professionals.
• Xeriscape Colorado is the affiliate program of the Colorado WaterWise Council. It offers a variety of information about landscaping and water conservation.