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.

ACWD is offering rebates to customers who replace their conventional irrigation controller with a “Smart” Irrigation Controller, also known as a Weather-based Irrigation Controller or ET Controller. A “Smart” Irrigation Controller will automatically adjust the watering schedule according to your plants’ actual water needs using information such as local weather conditions, plant type, and soil moisture. This can result in significant water savings, typically by 30% or more!

The rebate varies depending on the size of the current controller. Only a limited number will be available on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible customers.

Please contact ACWD’s Water Conservation Specialist at Stephanie.nevins@acwd.com, (510) 668-4207 for more information and to request application materials. All applications will be reviewed to determine eligibility. Controllers purchased before an application is approved will not be eligible for a rebate.

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.