Water-Smart Landscapes and Systems

Conserving water in landscapes and irrigation systems is crucial for minimizing environmental impacts, particularly amid climate change and increasing water scarcity.

Water-smart conservation reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from water extraction, treatment, and delivery, and is vital in arid and aridizing regions. To achieve water-smart landscapes:

Plant Selection and Placement:

• Choose climate-appropriate, native, or locally adapted plants that require minimal supplemental watering.
• Group plants with similar water requirements into hydrozones for targeted irrigation.

Efficient Irrigation Systems:

• Utilize gravity-fed water and wastewater systems to minimize energy consumption.
• Integrate captured stormwater, graywater, and treated blackwater for irrigation.
• Implement subsurface or surface drip irrigation, passive irrigation, and wicking beds to deliver water directly to roots, reducing evaporation.
• Use pressure-regulated sprinklers and soil moisture sensors to optimize soil moisture and minimize water waste.
• Reduce the use of quick-release fertilizers.

Additional Water-Saving Practices:

• Minimize irrigation on steep slopes to prevent erosion.
• Limit fountain use to reduce water loss. When necessary, prioritize recirculating water systems and renewable energy sources.
• Optimize pump sizes and utilize variable frequency drives for energy efficiency.