Timing is Everything
Let it Grow
Tune Up Your System
Water When Needed
How Much is Enough?
One of the easiest ways to save water is to make sure that you are not overwatering your lawn and plants. Most of us water more than we need to, which not only wastes water but ends up drowning our plants.
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What is Drip Irrigation?
Drip irrigation is the slow, precise application of water directly to the plants' root. A drip irrigation, micro-irrigation, system can be customized to meet your landscape's specific needs while maintaining an optimum moisture level for your plants, efficiently conserving water that might otherwise be lost.
The Benefits of Drip Irrigation
Drip irrigation is an efficient and economical method of watering. Experts say that drip irrigation is at least 90 percent more efficient than other irrigation methods and reduces runoff and evaporation. Drip irrigation applies the water slowly where it is needed—at the plant's roots.
Commonly used in commercial nursery and agricultural operations, homeowners are beginning to take advantage of its uses and benefits.
Drip irrigation involves placing tubing with emitters on the ground alongside the plants. The emitters slowly drip water into the soil at the root zone. With this slow, appropriate direct application of water, plant health and growth is improved. In addition, drip irrigation:
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Did you know 1" of rain yields approximately 600 gallons of water per every 1,000 square foot of roof space?! With a rain barrel you can capture that rain and reuse it to feed plants with nutrient-dense water, save money on your water bill and reduce harmful urban run-off that would otherwise pollute our watershed and river. Installing a rain barrel is inexpensive and easy. View our guide to learn more.
Is rain water harvesting legal in Washington?
Yes! Under Washington State policy, property owners don't have to acquire a water right permit to collect rainwater. Learn more about state policies on rainwater collection from the Department of Ecology.
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Whether adding a few plants or redesigning your entire yard, incorporate a Waterwise design to save water, time and money.
Xeriscape
Xeriscape is a type of landscaping that reduces water use and incorporates native and drought tolerant planting. It also requires very little maintenance. Native plants only require trimming a few times a year and a basic treatment for weeds in spring time.
Xeric design by Janis Saiki of The Friends of Manito. To learn more about The Friends of Manito and view more landscape designs, visit thefriendsofmanito.org
Lawn Alternatives
Consider removing your turf and replacing with a “No-Mow” design using groundcovers, clover, ornamental grasses, native flowers and shrubs. These are all low-water use and low-maintenance!
For even less maintenance, consider artificial grass. A number of manufacturers have developed versions that aren't easy to distinguish from the real thing.
Plant Native and Drought Tolerant
Once established, these plants require little water beyond what Mother Nature provides. The WSU Extension Office has comprehensive lists of native and drought tolerant plants, shrubs and trees.
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