There are a number of easy fixes we can all do that will save water, energy, and money. Here are some tips for saving water outdoors.

• It takes about 660 gallons of water to supply 1,000 square feet of lawn with one inch of water. To save water, limit the amount of water per zone to ¾ inches.
• A broken sprinkler head wastes approximately 300 gallons of water in an hour. Regularly inspect for leaks and broken or clogged spray heads.
• Using an automatic shutoff nozzle on a hand-held hose can be expected to save an estimated 5 to 10% of water used outdoors.
• Check your garden hose for leaks at its connection to the spigot. If it leaks while you run your hose, replace the nylon or rubber hose washer and ensure a tight connection to the spigot using pipe tape and a wrench.
• To limit the amount of water used from your hose, sweep driveways, sidewalks and steps rather than hosing them off.
• Install a rain shut-off device on your irrigation system.
• Install a rain gauge in your yard to help determine your irrigation needs – aim for ¾ inch of water.
• Set sprinklers to water the lawn and garden only – not the street or sidewalk. Install moisture sensors on your irrigation systems.
• Follow outdoor irrigation rules. Check the water restrictions page to see which days irrigation is allowed at your address. City of Melbourne only allows watering before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
• Use mulch around shrubs and plants to reduce evaporation from the soil surface and cut down on weed growth.
• Install a rain barrel to capture and store rainwater to water plants. Melbourne residents who install a new rain barrel may be eligible for a $50 rebate. ADD LINK
• Use native plants in your landscaping to lessen or eliminate the need for irrigation.
• Wash your car with water from a bucket, or consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water.
• Consider purchasing a new water-saving swimming pool filter and use a pool cover to reduce evaporation when the pool is not being used. Between ½ - 1 inch of water normally evaporates per day. More than 1 inch would indicate a considerable amount of splash out or a leak.