Outdoor Water Conservation Tips

Irrigation

• Use a rain barrel to capture rainwater for irrigation.
• Make sure your sprinklers are not watering the street, driveway, or sidewalk. (Watering impervious surfaces, such as streets and sidewalks, is prohibited in Greensboro.)
• If you have an automatic irrigation system, set your rain sensor to override your system after 1/4 inch of rain has fallen. (Rain sensors are required for automatic irrigation systems in Greensboro.) Track and calculate irrigation use through Turf Irrigation Management System (TIMS) Water Management Program, a site developed by the North Carolina State University Center for Turfgrass Environmental Research and Education (CENTERE) and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). 
• Water during early morning hours or in the evening to reduce evaporation.
• Be sure not to over-water your lawn. Step on your grass to see if it needs water. If it springs back, it doesn't need to be watered.

Landscaping

• Apply mulch around trees and plants to retain moisture in the soil.
• Set lawnmower blades for the maximum height for your type of grass (three inches for fescue).
• Use native and drought tolerant plants.

Remember check for leaks!

• Check under the house for any signs of leakage.
• Regularly inspect water hoses and connectors for leaks.
• Check for unusually wet areas, or check your meter for leaks.