Wisconsin Water Conservation Coalition
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Residential ~ Outside
Landscape, Lawn and Garden
Many people are surprised to find out how much 'extra' and unnecessary water is used outdoors for the watering of lawn and landscaping. In some instances 25% to 30 % of a residential home's water is used for lawn watering. Here are a few, easy ideas that can dramatically reduce the amount of water used at your home or business.
1. Let your grass go brown in the summer
People are concerned about their grass turning brown and 'dying'. If your grass turns brown it is NOT dead- it is merely dormant. The next rain WILL turn your grass green again. There's an extra benefit to not watering your grass- significant reduction in the amount of times you'll have to mow your lawn! By not watering the lawn, it won't grow (above the ground) as fast. So you'll cut down on the time you spend mowing and reduce the amount of CO2 emissions your mower will generate-it's a win / win idea! Also as your grass does not appear to be growing above the ground, it's roots are growing stronger below the ground, as the grass is trying to locate water. You are actually strengthening your lawn by not watering it. Where your lawn is concerned : "Brown IS the new green !"
2. You have to water your lawn?
No you don't have to water your lawn, (see # 1 above). If you choose to water your lawn, make certain to water before 9:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. or you'll lose (waste) a large amount of the water to evaporation. Water only on days your local ordinance allows, and not within two days of a rain. Do not set your sprinkler where water will run down the sidewalk, driveway, or road- that is wasted water causing runoff that is detrimental to the environment. For more information about proper lawn watering, read the Lawn Watering brochure.
3. Use Rain barrels
Use rain barrels to capture and store rainwater. Use this stored rainwater to water plants at times that rain does not keep up with the demand. Find more information about where you can purchase a rain barrel.
4. Install a Rain garden
When properly installed, rain gardens make a much better use of the rainwater by reducing stormwater runoff from your lot. Rain gardens are also a great way to incorporate native, drought tolerant plants into your yard and the area. Native plants don't need fertilizers, pesticides or watering so they are great for your yard and your environment. Try to incorporate more native plants in all your planting beds--not just the rain gardens!
5. Use a Broom
Don't use the hose as a method of washing debris off the sidewalk or driveway- use a broom. Using a hose not only wastes water, but it sends all the debris and dirt down the storm drain with the water. The storm drain delivers water to the nearest river, lake or wetland which can pollute our waterways.
6. Take care washing the car
If you wash your own car, limit yourself to one bucket of water to complete the task and be careful not to have the hose running the entire time you are washing your car. Washing the car on the lawn will also make sure that none of the washwater ends up in the stormdrain where it is delivered to the closest lake, river or wetland. Some carwashes may save water by using systems that recycle the water. The water used in a car wash will be treated and cleaned at the sewage treatment plant.
1. Let your grass go brown in the summer
People are concerned about their grass turning brown and 'dying'. If your grass turns brown it is NOT dead- it is merely dormant. The next rain WILL turn your grass green again. There's an extra benefit to not watering your grass- significant reduction in the amount of times you'll have to mow your lawn! By not watering the lawn, it won't grow (above the ground) as fast. So you'll cut down on the time you spend mowing and reduce the amount of CO2 emissions your mower will generate-it's a win / win idea! Also as your grass does not appear to be growing above the ground, it's roots are growing stronger below the ground, as the grass is trying to locate water. You are actually strengthening your lawn by not watering it. Where your lawn is concerned : "Brown IS the new green !"
2. You have to water your lawn?
No you don't have to water your lawn, (see # 1 above). If you choose to water your lawn, make certain to water before 9:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. or you'll lose (waste) a large amount of the water to evaporation. Water only on days your local ordinance allows, and not within two days of a rain. Do not set your sprinkler where water will run down the sidewalk, driveway, or road- that is wasted water causing runoff that is detrimental to the environment. For more information about proper lawn watering, read the Lawn Watering brochure.
3. Use Rain barrels
Use rain barrels to capture and store rainwater. Use this stored rainwater to water plants at times that rain does not keep up with the demand. Find more information about where you can purchase a rain barrel.
4. Install a Rain garden
When properly installed, rain gardens make a much better use of the rainwater by reducing stormwater runoff from your lot. Rain gardens are also a great way to incorporate native, drought tolerant plants into your yard and the area. Native plants don't need fertilizers, pesticides or watering so they are great for your yard and your environment. Try to incorporate more native plants in all your planting beds--not just the rain gardens!
5. Use a Broom
Don't use the hose as a method of washing debris off the sidewalk or driveway- use a broom. Using a hose not only wastes water, but it sends all the debris and dirt down the storm drain with the water. The storm drain delivers water to the nearest river, lake or wetland which can pollute our waterways.
6. Take care washing the car
If you wash your own car, limit yourself to one bucket of water to complete the task and be careful not to have the hose running the entire time you are washing your car. Washing the car on the lawn will also make sure that none of the washwater ends up in the stormdrain where it is delivered to the closest lake, river or wetland. Some carwashes may save water by using systems that recycle the water. The water used in a car wash will be treated and cleaned at the sewage treatment plant.