outdoor

WATER conservation

Water Conservation

Starts At Home

 As responsible citizens, it is our obligation to conserve and protect the planet’s precious water resources. By taking a proactive approach, we can make a positive impact on our water usage and preserve this essential resource for future generations.

Water Consumption

Keep your yard from being a Water Guzzler

Water Plants Only When Necessary

More plants die from over-watering than from underwatering.

Avoid over fertilizing

Use a minimum amount of fertilizer and follow manufacturer’s instruction. Over fertilizing adds to water pollution.

Install a high-quality artificial turf

Consider reducing or eliminating your grass altogether.

When mowing the lawn, raise the blades to their highest level

Cutting grass too low makes the roots work harder, requiring more water.

More Tips on reducing water use
  • Equip fountains, ponds and other ornamental water features with recirculating pumps.
  • Adjust sprinklers so only the landscape is watered and not the house, sidewalk or street.
  • Weed yards and gardens regularly. Weeds compete with other plants for water.
  • Group plants according to their water needs.

Water Efficiency

Optimize Systems In Your Yard

Aerate lawns to better absorb water

Water only as rapidly as the soil can absorb the water.

Reduce evaporation

Use a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around plants in your yard.

Assess your soil with a local nursery

Ammending soil can improve water absorption and holding capacity. 

Repair leaks as necessary

Check all hoses, connectors, and spigots regularly. 

More efficiency tips
  • Install a water-efficient (EPA Approved) drip irrigation system.
  • Regularly check sprinkler systems and timing devices to be sure they are operating properly.
  • Shut off automatic watering systems when it rains or install a rain shut-off device.
  • Install gutters and direct downspouts toward shrubs or trees.
  • Direct the bleed-off water from an evaporative cooler to trees or shrubs.

Timing Is Everything

Be smart about when you water

Follow Time-of-Day Restrictions

Watering is allowed between the hours of 8 PM and 8 AM from April 15 to November 1.

Water Deeply & Less Frequently

This approach to lawn maintenance and gardening creates healthier and deeper root systems.

Adjust watering schedules to the season

Work with nature and track how much rain and irrigation your yard receives. If it’s raining, there is no need to irrigate.

more on when to water
  • Don’t water on windy days
  • Minimize evaporation by watering during the early morning hours when temperatures are cooler.

Utilize Natural Resources

Rainwater Harvesting

About 30% of Prescott's Water Is Used For Landscaping

We can save this precious water by replacing thirsty vegetation with drought-tolerant plants and by irrigating with rainwater harvested and stored in rain tanks.

Rebates & Incentives Are Available

City water customers can use the City’s Water Conservation Rebate program to install active or passive rainwater harvesting at their home or business.

Free From Chlorine & Salts

In addition to saving water and money, rainwater is free from chlorine and salts, which makes it ideal for watering flowers and vegetable gardens. You can supplement harvested rain by saving water used to wash fruits and vegetables: catch it in a bowl and pour it on your plants.

Invest in Native Landscaping

use drought tolerant plants 

Plant low-water use and drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees. Explore the two PDF’s below for a complete guide.

Need help?

Local vendors & professionals

Get the help you need to make the most water efficient yard by hiring a professional or walk into one of our local nurserys to find the plants your looking for.

Do Your Part

Be WaterSmart

Curious if your water conservation efforts pay off? View your eligibility for incentives and rebates below.