Outdoor
Smart Outdoor Practices
Did you know that of the estimated 29 billion gallons of water used daily by households in the United States, nearly 7 billion gallons is devoted to outdoor water use? The average U.S. household uses more water outdoors than most American homes use for showering and washing clothes combined.
By following some simple steps, you can have a water-smart landscape that's beautiful, healthy, and easy to maintain:
Create a water-smart landscape that is both beautiful and efficient to give your home the curb appeal you desire.
Timing is everything! Knowing when and how much to water allows you to keep a healthy landscape.
Upgrade to a WaterSense labeled controller if you have an in-ground irrigation system
Find a certified irrigation professional to install, maintain, or audit your irrigation system to ensure it is watering at peak efficiency.-
Take a look at the Landscape Photo Gallery for inspirational examples of beautiful, water-smart landscapes from across the country and submit your own photo today!
Additional Resources
Your local water utility, landscaping and irrigation service providers, cooperative extension services, nurseries and garden centers can offer additional guidance that's best for your region. Also consider the following online resources to learn more about water-smart landscaping and water-saving technologies.
- Learn more about the concepts of water-smart landscape design (PDF) (14 pp, 13.9M, About PDF).
- Learn how Your Yard Can Be Greener (PDF) (4 pp, 615K, About PDF) with EPA's guide for water smart landscapes.
- See the Landscape for Life site
for comprehensive information on creating a sustainable landscape. - Visit the EPA GreenScapes website to learn what you can do to preserve natural resources while keeping your lawn and garden healthy.
- Visit the Alliance for Water Efficiency Resource Library for more information on landscape and irrigation water efficiency.
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