Outdoor Water Use
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Simple Outdoor Conservation Tips
Since the majority of all water used by District customers is used outdoors, the best place to focus water conservation efforts is on outdoor usage, such as landscaping and swimming pool maintenance. As mentioned on the Residential water conservation page, some easy ways to save water include:
- Adjust sprinklers to prevent overspray and runoff onto the street or sidewalk.
- Equip hoses with shut-off nozzles and use drip irrigation systems.
- Water your landscape early in the morning or late at night
- Place mulch throughout your garden to reduce evaporation, even soil temperature, and reduce weed growth. This can save hundreds of gallons per year.
- Plant drought resistant and/or low water using plants such as California Natives. This can also save hundreds of gallons per year.
- Use a pool cover to cut down on water evaporation
CVWD WaterWise Garden Contest
Drought resistant gardens can be lush and colorful and attract wildlife such as butterflies and hummingbirds. To encourage and inspire customers to engage in water conserving landscaping practices, the District held a contest where participants were judged on the garden's attractiveness and ease of maintenance (including low water usage).
2023 Winners
After spending 28 years painstakingly and unsuccessfully maintaining a lawn, Ed and Annalisa needed a change. Beyond desiring a low-maintenance landscape, they were motivated by water conservation, creating a haven for local wildlife, and being able to “sit in their rockers and enjoy [their] front yard.” With help from a friend who was a landscape architect, they removed their lawn. The couple soon found joy in designing their landscape and watching their grasses, hedges, and trees grow. Still, the experience was not without its challenges. In 2022, a heat wave caused stress on several not-yet-established plants. Undeterred, they kept their garden alive with shower water, dishwater, and dog bowl water to supplement their drip irrigation. Other ways that they keep their lawn water-wise include plumbing that redirects water to the yard, rain catchment, and not using landscape fabric. Today, they enjoy doing most of the maintenance themselves, and a gardener visits monthly. Their hard work paid off with a drought-tolerant yard that adds artful curb appeal to their home with a beautiful design.
As winners of the WaterWise Garden Contest in Carpinteria, Ed and Annalisa received a beautifully engraved sandstone boulder to display in their front yard.
Water wise gardens, such as the Lombardi’s demonstrate that landscapes can include lush plantings and flowers, attract wildlife, are easy to maintain, and use little water - saving money on your water bill. For more information, visit www.WaterWiseSB.org. Let’s Save Together!