Here are some tips to lower your water bill.

•   Adjust your sprinklers seasonally to water less during cooler or wet weather. Most timers have a % key that makes these adjustments simple. Watering needs are greatest in the heat of summer and are reduced significantly in the winter when days are short, temperatures are cool and rains occur.

•   Adjust your sprinkler pressure. If your sprinklers are misting that means your pressure is too high and even a slight breeze will blow the water away. Most spray nozzles optimally operate at 30 lbs. of pressure. There are a number of ways to deal with high pressure. The best way is to install a pressure regulator on the water supply. Or you can adjust the flow control on each valve. Or adjust the tiny radius screw on the top of each nozzle.

•   Install a Smart Controller to automatically adjust the schedule and amount of water in response to changing weather conditions.

•   Only water your lawn 2 or 3 days a week. Yes, even in the Summer, your lawn only needs to be water three times a week. Water deeply and infrequently. Too often I see lawns being watered 5 or even 7 days a week.

•   Check the batteries in your timer. If the batteries are dead and the power goes out, the timer will revert to factory settings – which is often 10 min. per zone, 7 days a week.

•    Water early in the morning to reduce water loss from evaporation and when there is less wind.

•   If you notice water running off when you water, program your timer to water in cycles – 2 or 3 times with a 30 min. in between cycles. Watering for shorter periods allows the water to soak in and not run off down the street.

•   Check your sprinklers to make sure they are adjusted properly and not watering the sidewalk, the driveway or your house.

•    Mow your lawn higher during very warm weather. Cutting your grass too short reduces your lawn’s ability to produce energy for healthy growth. Taller grass grows deeper roots that can reach water more effectively and is more tolerant of stress. Taller grass also shades the soil, reducing evaporation and helping to prevent weed seeds from germinating.

•   Schedule each irrigation zone according to what plants are being watered. Shrubs and trees don’t need to be watered nearly as frequently as your lawn.

•   Consider converting those shrub areas to drip irrigation. Drip gives you more uniform coverage as well as reducing weeds and the overall amount of water used.

•   Mulch around your plants to save water by reducing evaporation. Mulching has the added benefits of reducing weed growth and improving your soil.