Water Use In Your Backyard

Photo of sprinklers.

On average, American families use about 30 percent of water per day outdoors. This amount varies widely across the United States, with some western regions using upwards of 70 percent of their water outside. In Pennsylvania, outdoor water use is generally less than 10 percent of total use except during seasonal peak use.

Although Pennsylvanians use most of their water indoors, there are still opportunities to save water in the backyard. Landscapes with poor soils or large areas of water-intense plantings can use tremendous amounts of water. Although irrigation is not essential to maintaining a lush, green lawn in Pennsylvania, irrigation systems are still installed at many new homes and can be a large source of water waste if not properly maintained. Some experts estimate that as much as 50 percent of landscape irrigation water is wasted because of evaporation, wind, improper system design, or overwatering. Pools, spas, and ornamental water features can also waste a lot of water if not properly maintained. 

What Can You Do?

There are many things homeowners can do to decrease the amount of water used outdoors. Some actions are quick and simple, while others may be long-term projects. 

Landscaping

  • If installing a new landscape, or making major upgrades to an existing landscape, develop a landscape plan and hire a professional who is knowledgeable about water-efficient landscaping. Proper choice of plants and careful design can reduce outdoor water use by as much as 50 percent.
  • Select plants that are native to Pennsylvania, or that require less water to grow.
  • Group plants with similar water needs together to facilitate efficient watering.
  • Improve your soil. Ask a landscape professional about providing the healthiest growing medium for your landscape.
  • Mulch bare soil around shrub beds and trees to decrease evaporation and cool root zones.
  • Raise your lawn mower’s cutting height. Longer grass blades help shade each other, reduce evaporation, and inhibit weed growth.

Irrigation

  • If installing an irrigation system, contact a professional to design, install, and maintain the system properly. Consider hiring a WaterSense irrigation partner.
  • Have your irrigation system audited on an annual basis to ensure that it is functioning properly.
  • Have your irrigation professional create an irrigation schedule to deliver the proper amount of water at the right times. 
  • If you don’t have an irrigation professional, contact your local cooperative extension for information on creating an efficient schedule yourself.
  • Water in the early morning or late evening to minimize evaporation. Do not water on windy days.
  • Consider installing a weather-based irrigation controller or soil moisture sensor to apply water only when indicated by the landscape or weather patterns.
  • Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems for trees and shrub beds to minimize the water wasted by traditional sprinklers. Drip irrigation systems use between 20 to 50 percent less water than conventional systems.
  • Look into alternative water supplies, such as rainwater harvesting or recycled gray water. 

Flower and Vegetable Gardens

  • Group plants with similar water needs together to facilitate efficient watering.
  • Mulch bare soil around plant stems to decrease evaporation.
  • Use a watering can instead of a hose or other irrigation. Doing so ensures that water is directed only where it is needed and applied only when necessary.
  • Use soaker hoses or trickle irrigation to minimize the water wasted by traditional sprinklers.
  • When using a hose, control the flow with an automatic shut-off nozzle. A hose running full open with no nozzle can use as much as 8 gallons of water per minute.
  • Harvest rainwater using a rain barrel, or recycle grey water from the air conditioning condenser, dehumidifier, bath, or sink, but don't use water that contains bleach, automatic-dishwashing detergent or fabric softener because these chemicals will harm plants.

Pools and Spas

  • Cover your pool or spa when it is not in use. Covering a pool can also reduce chemical use and heating bills up to 50 percent.
  • Regularly check filter connections for leaks.

Water Features and Ponds

  • If you are installing a water feature, consider choosing one that recirculates water.

Other Opportunities for Water Efficiency

  • Only use pressurized water sprayers when absolutely necessary.
  • Wash your car with water from a bucket, or consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water.
  • When using a hose, control the flow with an automatic shut-off nozzle. A hose running full open with no nozzle can use as much as 8 gallons of water per minute.
  • Avoid purchasing recreational water toys that require a constant supply of water. 
  • Sweep driveways, sidewalks, and steps rather than hosing them off.

Additional Resources

Programs

Industry Associations

  • The Irrigation Association is a membership organization for irrigation end users that promotes efficient irrigation and provides information on new technologies and management practices.

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