Water Conservation Month: How to Save Water Outdoors

Published on April 07, 2026

There are a number of easy fixes we can all do that will save water, energy, and money.

Here are some tips for saving water outdoors:

• It takes about 660 gallons of water to supply 1,000 square feet of lawn with one inch of water. To save water, limit the amount of water per zone to ¾ inches.
• A broken sprinkler head wastes approximately 300 gallons of water in an hour. Regularly inspect for leaks and broken or clogged spray heads.
• Using an automatic shutoff nozzle on a hand-held hose can be expected to save an estimated 5% to 10% of water used outdoors.
• Check your garden hose for leaks at its connection to the spigot. If it leaks while you run your hose, replace the nylon or rubber hose washer and ensure a tight connection to the spigot using pipe tape and a wrench.
• To limit the amount of water used from your hose, sweep driveways, sidewalks and steps rather than hosing them off.
• Install a rain shut-off device on your irrigation system.
• Install a rain gauge in your yard to help determine your irrigation needs – aim for ¾ inch of water.
• Set sprinklers to water the lawn and garden only – not the street or sidewalk. Install moisture sensors on your irrigation systems.
• Follow outdoor irrigation rules. Check the St. Johns River Water Management District's watering restrictions page to see which days irrigation is allowed at your address. City of Melbourne only allows watering before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
• Use mulch around shrubs and plants to reduce evaporation from the soil surface and cut down on weed growth.
• Install a rain barrel to capture and store rainwater to water plants. Melbourne residents who install a new rain barrel may be eligible for a $50 rebate.
• Use native plants in your landscaping to lessen or eliminate the need for irrigation.
• Wash your car with water from a bucket, or consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water.
• Consider purchasing a new water-saving swimming pool filter and use a pool cover to reduce evaporation when the pool is not being used. Between ½ - 1 inch of water normally evaporates per day. More than 1 inch would indicate a considerable amount of splash out or a leak.