Minimize Runoff
3. Use Water Wisely
Using water wisely around the yard helps prevent pollution from runoff.
If you have an irrigation system:
Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening, when temperatures are cooler, to minimize evaporation;
Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street;
Install a rain sensor on your irrigation controller so your system won’t run when it’s raining;
Choose shrubs and groundcovers instead of turf for hard-to-water areas such as steep slopes and isolated strips;
Spread a layer of organic mulch around plants to retain moisture and save water, time and money;
Use drip irrigation for shrubs and trees to apply water directly to the roots where it’s needed.
Wood Anenome, a native spring perennial
Landscape with native plants that won’t need irrigation once they are established. This will save water and save you the cost of the installation and maintenance of an irrigation system!
Pike County Conservation District provided Rain Barrel being used at Twin Lakes
Other ways to prevent runoff from your property.
Install a rain barrel to collect runoff from your roof and to use for watering your garden.
Direct downspouts onto your lawn or into a rain garden, away from driveways and other impermeable surfaces.
Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around pumps.
Check for leaking outdoor faucets.
Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks.
Patios provide space that doesn’t need to be watered. These useful “outdoor rooms” can also add value to your property. Just be sure to keep it pervious!