Lawn watering uses nearly half of the water around most homes. Most of us tend to water too often and leave the sprinklers on too long.

The steps outlined below will help you determine how long to leave your sprinklers on if you water three times a week. Proper lawn watering can save a lot of water - and that saves you money!

A simple way to determine your lawn watering needs:

1. Set three flat bottom cans or coffee mugs at various places on your lawn.
2. Turn on your sprinkler(s) for 15 minutes.
3. Measure the depth of water in each can with a ruler and determine the average water depth in the cans.
4. Find your average water depth on the top line of the chart below.
5. Read the number of minutes you should water and record the times for future reference. Water only three time per week (i.e. Monday, Wednesday, Saturday).

Average Water Depth in Can in Inches	1/8"	3/16"	1/4"	5/16"	3/8"	1/2"	5/8"	3/4"	1"	1-1/4"	1-1/2"
How long you should water on each of your three watering days (in minutes):
Spring	44	29	22	18	15	11	8	7	5	4	3
Summer	69	46	35	28	23	17	14	12	8	7	5
Fall	32	22	16	13	11	8	6	5	4	3	2
Winter	Water in winter only during prolonged warm or dry periods.

Example: Suppose the average depth of water in your cans is 1 inch. To determine how long to water your lawn during the summer months, find 1" on the top row of the chart. Follow the column down to the "summer" row, where you will find your watering time... 8 minutes.

Use these watering times as a guide only. Your lawn may need more water when it's extra hot or less when it's cool. Watering can be skipped when it rains. Avoid watering on windy days or midday when evaporation is high.

• Water your lawn three days a week, and only in the morning before the sun is overhead.
• Get to know how plants signal for water. Grass tends to lie flat after being stepped on if moisture is low. Some plants lose their gloss and start to droop a little before wilting. The time to water is when the plants need it - rigid watering schedules waste water.
• Adjust sprinklers to avoid watering the sidewalk or driveway.
• Train your plants to develop deep roots by watering thoroughly but infrequently. Deeper roots will enable plants to utilize moisture deep in the ground, making them healthier and stronger.
• Prevent runoff by watering for shorter periods at half hour intervals.
• Shrubs and trees need only half the water your lawn needs. Drought tolerant species need even less.

Water conservation begins with each of us doing our part. As any homeowner knows, maintaining landscape uses a lot of water. ACWD has endeavored to create a garden that you can use as a guide to help you choose wisely when planting your landscape. Our Drought Tolerant Garden is located in front of the ACWD administrative building at 43885 S. Grimmer Blvd. The garden features more than 100 different kinds of water conserving plants that can be used in our service area, as well as a variety of irrigation equipment. A booklet describing the plants and irrigation components is available by the entrance to the garden. You may also request a booklet through our online Brochure Request Form, or by contacting our conservation associate at 510-668-4207. We also have a variety of booklets and kits available to help you conserve water all around your home.

NEW Weather-based “Smart” Irrigation Controller Rebate Program
SAVE WATER, ENERGY, TIME AND MONEY!
Install a Smart controller and get a rebate of up to $300 - $900* per controller. 

ACWD is launching a new program for business and large landscape customers that replace their existing conventional irrigation controller with a "smart" irrigation controller. Smart controllers can be an effective tool for reducing landscape water use. A Smart controller uses weather data and site information to adjust watering times and frequency. More efficient watering means less waste, reduced run-off and healthier plants. Please call us at 510-668-4207 or 510-668-6534 for more information. To be eligible for a rebate customers must be pre-approved by ACWD so please check with us first BEFORE purchasing controller(s). *Rebate is based on number of active stations of each existing controller. Rebates are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Funding is limited and may be depleted without prior notice. Submitting a rebate application does not guarantee you will receive a rebate. 


Lawn Be Gone! 

GET PAID TO TRANSFORM YOUR LANDSCAPING!  Convert your lawn to water-efficient plants and get a rebate of up to $500 to $3,000*.   

Be part of an innovative trend in landscaping and garden design that replaces traditional lawns with modern, eco-friendly plants, flowers, colors, and textures. The result is an exciting and stylish landscape that reflects the way you’re living today – one that’s affordable, easy to maintain, conserves water, and provides long-term benefits to you and the environment. For more information and eligibility requirements, please call 650-349-3000 or visit the BAWSCA website. To be eligible for a rebate, customers must be pre-approved by ACWD, so please check with us first BEFORE beginning your landscape conversion project. 

*Rebate is based on the number of square feet of turf replaced. Rebates are issued on a first-come, first served basis. Funding is limited and may be depleted without prior notice. Submitting a rebate application does not guarantee you will receive a rebate.