How to Reduce Water Usage and Maintain a Thriving Garden

Do you drink the recommended eight glasses of water daily to stay hydrated and keep your skin glowing? Well, that's just 0.5% of the 100 gallons (378 liters) – or 1,600 glasses – the average American uses each day [source: EPA]. In developing nations, access to clean water is limited, with fewer than one-third of people able to access it [source: UNICEF]. On top of this, humans can only use 1% of Earth's water, and global water consumption has tripled in the past 50 years [source: EPA].

Due to widespread droughts in the U.S. and growing environmental awareness, federal, state, and local governments have begun tightening regulations on water usage. By 2013, 36 states were expected to face water shortages [source: EPA]. As a result, governments and environmental groups have launched campaigns to reduce water waste and promote conservation. For example, activities like running dishwashers or washing machines with partial loads, or taking long showers, can waste gallons of water. If you're serious about cutting your water usage, it's time to step outside and look at your garden too.

In arid regions, up to 50% of household water consumption goes toward landscaping [source: Walsh]. Every year, Americans use an estimated 7 billion gallons (26.4 billion liters) of water just to soak their lawns [source: EPA]. While a lush lawn or vibrant flower beds might enhance your yard, many people waste water in the process. For example, you might leave your sprinkler system running for hours, unaware that it’s also watering your driveway. Or perhaps you’re watering your garden during the hottest part of the day. Fixing these common water-wasting habits could reduce your household water use by up to 60%, not to mention how much money you’ll save on your water bill.

Still not convinced to rethink your water use? Consider this: Your lawn and garden can thrive with less water. In fact, you can cultivate healthier, more vibrant plants while using less water. Many people actually overwater their plants during the growing season, which can do more harm than a dry spell. Adopting a water-efficient gardening approach might mean reducing some lawn space, but you’ll save time, money, and resources in the long run.

Designing a Water-Efficient Garden

Creating a water-efficient garden requires careful planning and foresight. You could stick with your current yard and simply water more efficiently, but to make a real difference, you might need to embrace some changes. First, consider removing your lawn. While neatly trimmed turfgrass lawns look appealing, they are actually environmental burdens. They consume up to 90% more water than native plant gardens, require harmful fertilizers and pesticides that contaminate groundwater, and offer no habitat or food for local wildlife.

You don’t have to tear up your entire lawn, but reducing its size can make a big difference. Think about how you use the grassy areas. Are they mainly for relaxation, or do they serve as spaces for recreation and entertainment? If you rarely use the grass except for mowing, you might not miss it. In that case, replace turfgrass with native plants that require far less water and maintenance. Converting a 1,000-square foot (92.9-square meter) lawn into a native plant garden can save up to 24,000 gallons (90,849 liters) of water annually [source: Rubin]. These plants (including trees, shrubs, grasses, and flowers) are naturally adapted to your region’s climate and rainfall.

On the aesthetic side, planting native plants closely together helps crowd out weeds and creates a striking display of colors and textures. The money you spend transforming your lawn into a native garden will pay off in lower maintenance costs over time.

Incorporating native plants into your garden is a key principle of Xeriscaping. As explained in How Xeriscaping Works, this landscaping approach uses drought-tolerant and native plants to optimize water absorption. One technique used is hydrozoning, where moisture-loving plants are placed near the water source, while water-efficient plants are positioned around the edges to capture runoff [source: Torpey]. Xeric plants are designed to thrive with minimal water due to their narrow leaves, which reduce transpiration (the loss of water through evaporation), and their fleshy stems, which absorb moisture more effectively [source: USDA]. Nevada, a state often affected by drought, has encouraged Xeriscaping due to its water-saving benefits. In Las Vegas, the Southern Nevada Water Authority offers $1.50 for every square foot of turf replaced with Xeriscape [source: Esswein].

Once your plants are in place, cover the soil with a thick layer of mulch. Mulch is any material placed on top of the soil to protect plants and maintain soil health. This can include wood chips, compost, or stones. When conserving water in your garden, mulch is essential. It reduces water evaporation, helps retain moisture, prevents runoff, and lowers soil temperatures, aiding better root absorption [source: Lamp'l].

Now, it’s time to begin watering your garden.

How to Water Effectively: Avoiding Waste

In Austin, Texas, and many other cities, saving water is incentivized. We're not just talking about turning off the faucet; we mean capturing the water that falls naturally from the sky. The city of Austin offers residents up to $500 for installing large-capacity rainwater harvesting systems. While it sounds technical, it’s simply the process of collecting and reusing rainwater. Instead of letting the rainwater flow off your roof into gutters, you channel it into a rain barrel. In Austin, where the average rainfall is 32 inches (81 centimeters), a 2,500-square foot (232-square meter) roof can collect up to 45,000 gallons (170,343 liters) of water in a year [source: Austin Energy Green Building Program]. In wetter areas, even smaller roofs can capture significantly more rainwater.

Depending on where you live, your rain barrels might not get much use during the warmer months. With many states, including parts of Georgia, Texas, and California, facing droughts, your dry garden may require additional watering support.

Whether you're using city water or rainwater, the timing of your watering has a big impact on efficiency. Watering during the heat of the day can result in up to 30% of the water evaporating before it reaches your plants [source: Lamp'l]. Resist the urge to water when you see your plants wilting at noon. Some plants naturally droop in the intense midday sun but will perk up once the heat eases. To ensure the water gets to the roots, water early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Also, avoid spraying the flowers and leaves, as the water will evaporate before reaching the roots. Instead, direct the hose close to the ground.

For gardens that require consistent watering, drip irrigation systems are the most efficient option. Long, narrow tubes are laid on the ground along plant rows. Water flows through the pipes and drips directly onto the plants through small holes. This method delivers water precisely where it’s needed, minimizing waste and evaporation compared to overhead sprinklers. Additionally, these irrigation systems can be easily connected to rain barrels.

However, avoid overwatering your plants. Giving them a large volume of water all at once can cause more harm than simply not watering them at all [source: University of Massachusetts Extension]. Too much water can suffocate the roots and deprive the plant of the oxygen it needs. When unsure about how much water is enough, pause and let the water absorb into the soil for a few minutes. Test the soil with your finger, and if it still feels dry, continue watering. Otherwise, remember that a little water, when applied correctly, goes a long way toward a healthy garden.

Still hungry for more gardening tips? Head over to the next page for additional resources to help you grow your garden knowledge.