Water your lawn a bit less often

Lawns are great for playing fetch with the dogs, but they can quietly use a surprising amount of water. In many parts of the country, outdoor watering makes up more than 30 percent of total household water use, and most of that goes to keeping grass perfectly green. Cutting back just a little can make a noticeable difference in your water use, and can actually be better for your yard in the long run.

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), WaterSense Program.Understanding Your Water Bill

It’s okay for grass to go a little brown during dry spells. Most turf grass naturally goes dormant when water is scarce and will green back up once the weather cools or the rain returns. Watering too often does not make your lawn healthier; it actually encourages shallow roots that dry out faster and depend on more frequent watering. A deep soak once or twice a week helps grass build stronger roots that can handle heat and drought better.

Keep in mind also that overwatering can cause problems too. When soil becomes oversaturated, it can become waterlogged and you can actually drown your grass roots. An overwatered lawn is also more prone to lawn diseases.

I used to feel like I had to water every other day, especially in the summer. Now I only water deeply once a week when it is hot, and I have noticed the grass stays green longer on its own. It has saved time, lowered my water bill, and made yard work feel a lot more manageable. If it rains, I just skip that week. 

If you are not sure how much to water, try this quick test: step on your grass. If it springs back, it still has enough moisture. Adding a simple hose timer or smart sprinkler controller can help automate the schedule and prevent accidental overwatering.