Water is a precious resource in Texas and many are looking for ways to reduce our usage and reduce costs.

Do you dread getting your water bill during the summer months? With landscape irrigation systems running during the hot summer months, water bills can certainly jump sky high. Water is a precious resource here in Texas and many of us are looking for ways to reduce our usage and reduce costs.

One of the goals for smart water use is to water less often but water deeply. This allows turf grass roots to grow deeper. Irrigation systems are designed to support landscape needs when rainfall is minimal. One inch of water per week is needed to keep a landscape healthy when rainfall is lacking. Too often, we run an automatic irrigation system even after a big rainfall.

Here are some practical, yet simple tips for reducing water usage.

1. Observe your automatic sprinkler system watering at least once a month. Look for heads that are clogged, broken or not working properly. Repair or replace as needed. Often an adjustment to the head can keep the water from spraying the driveway, sidewalk or fence. You may also need to adjust heads as landscape plants grow and block the spray pattern.

2. Determine if your lawn and flowerbeds are getting enough moisture. Push a screwdriver or moisture sensor into the soil. Pull it out and check the blade. If the soil is dry and powdery, moisture is needed. If the soil is moist and clings to the blade, there is no need to water.

3. Water between the hours of 3-9 am. This will reduce the loss of water to evaporation in the heat.

4. Avoid watering on windy days as the water often does not get to where it is intended.

5. Use cycle and soak for areas with a slope or areas with clay or compacted soils. This is done by running the cycle until you see runoff. Stop the cycle, wait for 30-60 minutes to allow the water to soak into the soil. Then run the cycle again for a shorter time to complete the watering. This may take some trial and error to initially determine the length of time you need for the cycle and soak setting.

6. To determine how well your irrigation system is distributing water do a catch can test. Set out catch cans (tuna or cat food cans or catch cans you purchase) in a grid. Run the irrigation system for thirty minutes. Measure the volume of water collected. Calculate the precipitation ratio using the formula at Texaset.tamu.edu. Make adjustments as needed. For further information visit https://irrigation.tamu.edu/aggie-catch-cans/

7. Shut off the irrigation system during and immediately after a significant rainfall. An automatic irrigation system can be a real time saver but to be effective, the system requires time and attention to ensure it is working properly and efficiently. A little extra attention will bring smiles when the next water bill arrives.