Every March the United Nations dedicates a day to bringing awareness to water-related issues across the world. World Water Day is used to advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources and is celebrated internationally. Watering your lawn requires .62 gallons of water per square foot. So, if your yard is 1,000 sq. ft. it can require up to 620 gallons of water. This is already a significant amount of water, so it’s important to conserve water on your lawn as much as possible. Here are 5 easy ways to start conserving water on your lawn.
Use a smart controller on your irrigation system
Installing smart controllers in your sprinkler system can improve your watering efficiency by up to 40%. Unlike simple timer systems, smart controllers analyze weather forecasts to determine how much water your lawn needs that day. Although these devices are a large investment upfront, they can save you thousands of dollars on your water bill.
Choose drought-tolerant plants
Selecting plants and grass that require little moisture is a great way to conserve water in your lawn maintenance routine. Plants like yarrow, yucca, sage and white fir naturally thrive in low water conditions. BigFoot Turf has a number of drought-tolerant sod products that will make your yard look beautiful and require less water. Click here to learn more about our drought-tolerant sod.
Invest in an automatic rain-shut-off device
Automatic rain-shut-off devices are an affordable and convenient way to conserve water on your lawn. When installed in your irrigation system, the rain-shut-off device will turn off your sprinklers when a certain amount of rain has fallen. These devices only cost a few hundred dollars and will often pay off within the first season of use.
Fix leaks
This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to conserve water on your lawn. According to the EPA, a 1/32” diameter leak in a hose or sprinkler system can waste over 6,000 gallons of water per year. Inspecting weekly for leaks in your irrigation system can save you hundreds of dollars and gallons of water annually.
Don’t overwater
Overwatering is the number one culprit for water waste in homes. Speaking with a landscaping professional to determine how much water your lawn and plants need can preserve your lawn, your wallet, and the planet.
Freshwater is arguably the most precious resource we have on Earth. Being mindful of your water usage and taking steps to be as efficient as possible in your lawn maintenance can make a huge impact on not only your water bill but the environment as well. This World Water Day, we encourage you to decrease your water usage and consider implementing these techniques and tools to conserve water. For more information on BigFoot Turf’s drought-tolerant sod products call 970-284-6000.
