Most of us use drinking water to grow our lawns, flowers, and other plants.  On average, we use about two-thirds of our water outdoors, most of which goes on lawns.  As much as one-half of the water is wasted through incorrect watering.

If you can answer these questions, you are probably water correctly:

1.  Do you know how much water you apply each time you irrigate your lawn?

2.  Are you applying the water to your lawn evenly?

3.  Do you know when your lawn needs water?

If you cannot answer these questions, the following three simple steps will help you find the answers and put you on the path to irrigate your lawn correctly.

Remember, not all sprinklers apply the same amount of water.  This is true of automatic, manual, or hose systems.

To check the distribution pattern, you will need at least 4 containers.  Straight-sided containers like soup cans or milk cartons are fine, but tuna cans are too shallow and water splashes out of them.  You may also use special water measuring cups (available from local Utah State University Extension Offices).

A)   Place 4 or more containers in a grid pattern over the lawn area to be checked.

B)   Run your sprinklers for a period of time (at least 10 minute) over the lawn.  If you have overlapping sprinklers that run at different times, run both sets of sprinklers.  Check each container and see if the amount of water in each is about the same.  Make a note of those containers (areas) that have more or less water than average.

Try the following suggestions to apply water more evenly:

• Set the sprinklers to run for longer or shorter periods of time if they are on different valves.

• Check and repair clogged, damaged, or broken sprinkler heads.  Also look for sprinklers that may be set into the ground too deeply or are tilted.  Sprinklers should be vertical and should not be obstructed by surrounding grass, plants, or other objects.

• Sprinklers running on the same line or valve should be the same model and have the right nozzle to cover the desired area.

C)   After making adjustments, empty the containers and try the test again.  Continue to make adjustments and run the test until the system is applying water as evenly as possible.

A)   In your 4 containers, measure and mark a ½ inch depth.  Note that the ½ inch line on the special water measuring cups is just above the measured markings on the side.

B)   Turn on your sprinklers and time how long it takes for water to reach the marks in each container.  With overlapping sets of sprinklers, split the run time equally between both sets of sprinklers.  Figure the average run time for all containers.

C)   If you see water running off your lawn, 3 or more soak cycles are recommended.  Irrigate for 3 or more cycles allowing 1 hour in between each cycle.  This will prevent water from running off the lawn.

This schedule is based upon average or normal weather conditions.  Unusual warm conditions may require an occasional irrigation a day earlier than scheduled.  Rain storms or cool periods may allow postponing or skipping an irrigation.

By following the above suggestions, you will apply the maximum amount of water required by the lawn.  You will also use about half of the water the average Utah homeowner uses.  This schedule could save you as much as one-fourth of your yearly water usage.  Even so, you may still be using more than necessary.

To use less water, you will need to make your sprinkler system more efficient or reduce the total number of irrigations you apply during the growing season.  Each unnecessary irrigation that can be eliminated will save enough water for about 104 showers, 52 baths, 52 loads of laundry, or 312 toilet flushes.

Every minute counts!