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  • Don’t over-water your lawn. As a general rule, lawns only need watering every five to seven days in the summer and every 10-14 days in the winter. A hearty rain eliminates the need for watering for up to two weeks. Use a rain gauge to determine the amount of rainfall your lawn has received.
  • Don’t allow sprinklers to water your street, driveway or other non-beneficial surface. Position sprinklers so water lands on the lawn and shrubs and not on paved areas.
  • Install irrigation devices that are the most water-efficient. Micro- and drip-irrigation and soakers provide great results without waste.
  • Check sprinkler systems and timing devices regularly to be sure they operate properly. Adjust for the season, rainfall and plants. 
  • Raise the lawn mower blade at least three inches or to its highest level. A higher cut encourages grass root system to grow deeper, shades the root system and holds soil moisture better than a closely clipped lawn. Contact local gardening experts for specifics.
  • Avoid over-fertilizing your lawn. Fertilizer applications increase the need for water. Apply fertilizers that contain slow release, water-insoluble forms of nitrogen.
  • Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil. Mulch also helps control weeds that compete with landscape plants for water.
  • Plant native and / or drought resistant grasses, ground covers, shrubs, and trees. Once established, they do not need water as frequently and usually will survive a dry period without watering. Group plants together, based on similar water needs. (Consult your state's Native Plant Society for more info.)
  • Do not hose down driveways or sidewalks. Use a broom or blower to clean leaves and other debris from these areas.
  • Use a shut-off nozzle on your hose, which can be adjusted down to a fine spray so that water flows only as needed. When finished, turn it off at the faucet instead of at the nozzle to avoid leaks. Check hose connectors to make sure plastic or rubber washers are in place. Washers prevent leaks.
  • Do not leave sprinklers or hoses unattended. A garden hose can pour out 600 gallons or more in one hour. Use a kitchen timer to remind yourself to turn the sprinklers off.
  • Consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water. If you wash your own car, park on the grass and use a hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle.