What are the most effective ways to reduce a building's landscaping water consumption?

2 Irrigation design

Another key factor to reduce your landscaping water consumption is to design an efficient and effective irrigation system that delivers water to the plants' roots without wasting it through evaporation, runoff, or overspray. You can choose from different types of irrigation systems, such as drip, micro-spray, soaker hose, or subsurface irrigation, depending on the size, shape, and layout of your landscape. You can also install sensors, timers, valves, and controllers that regulate the water flow and pressure according to the weather, soil moisture, and plant needs. By designing an irrigation system that matches your landscape's characteristics and requirements, you can reduce your water use by up to 70% compared to traditional sprinkler systems.

3 Water harvesting

A third way to reduce your landscaping water consumption is to harvest and reuse rainwater, stormwater, or greywater that would otherwise go to waste. You can collect rainwater from your roof or other surfaces using barrels, tanks, or cisterns, and use it to irrigate your landscape or other non-potable uses. You can also capture stormwater from your pavement or driveway using permeable materials, swales, or rain gardens, and use it to replenish your groundwater or create a habitat for wildlife. You can also reuse greywater from your sinks, showers, or laundry machines using filters, pumps, or pipes, and use it to water your plants or flush your toilets. By harvesting and reusing water from different sources, you can reduce your water use by up to 90% compared to relying on municipal water.

4 Water conservation

Adopting water conservation practices is a great way to reduce your landscaping water consumption. Early morning or late evening watering is ideal, as the temperature is cooler and the evaporation rate is lower. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth and drought resistance, and only water when necessary to avoid overwatering or underwatering. Use a hose or watering can to target the root zone and avoid wetting the leaves or the soil surface, and consider using recycled water such as cooking water, aquarium water, or ice cubes to reduce potable water use and provide nutrients to your plants. With these practices in place, you can reduce your water use by up to 30% compared to standard watering methods.

5 Water monitoring

Monitoring and measuring your water use and performance is a fifth way to reduce your landscaping water consumption. You can do this by using tools and technologies such as water meters, gauges, or flow sensors, that track the volume and rate of water used. Additionally, you can conduct water audits, inspections, or tests to identify and fix any leaks, malfunctions, or inefficiencies. Establishing water budgets, benchmarks, or goals can also set and compare the optimal and actual water use and savings for your irrigation system or landscape. Finally, you can use water reports, feedback, or alerts to provide and communicate data on your water use and performance. By taking these measures, you can reduce your water use by up to 20% compared to not knowing or ignoring your water use and performance.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?