Spring landscape water-saving tips

Spring landscape water-saving tips

Published 04-25-24

(April 25, 2024)

Spring weather is here, and the gardening season is beginning. Residentially, most of our water is used on the landscape. However, there are a few tricks to help reduce water waste without compromising the aesthetic value of your garden.

1: Add and incorporate compost into the first six inches of soil. Compost is typically the best soil amendment for gardens. It can increase infiltration, reduce bulk, and improve nutrient and water availability.

2: Reseed dead turfgrass areas with more drought-tolerant varieties. Drought-tolerant varieties use 30% less water. Look for the Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance (TWCA) label when purchasing seed or ask the supplier if they have TWCA-certified sod.

3: Follow fertilizer recommendations. Over-fertilization can burn and stress plants and cause sudden plant growth without establishing a proper root system. These issues require additional water to resolve.

4: Plant perennials instead of annuals. Perennials typically have extensive roots and require less water throughout the growing season. They can also help prevent erosion and improve soils. Find plants for your area here.

5: Wait to water. Most Utah lawns don’t need supplemental water until Mother’s Day. Waiting to water can help lawn roots grow deeper, increasing their resilience to heat and drought. Check out our Weekly Lawn Watering Guide to find out how often and when to start watering.

6: Request or perform a water check. Water checks are a free service offered in many parts of the state that assess residential irrigation systems. A water check informs property owners how to improve their irrigation system and how long and often to run it. Water checks can be performed by a

A) technician by scheduling an appointment or 

B) property owner by following the DIY instructions from USU Extension

7: Convert to drip. Plants uptake water through their roots, not their leaves. Delivering water directly to the soil minimizes evaporation and water loss because the plant can more readily absorb it. Switching the sprinklers in your planting beds to drip irrigation can dramatically cut down on water loss.

8: Add mulch to planting beds. A layer of organic or inorganic mulch three to four inches deep can help reduce weed growth and water loss. Both rock materials and organic matter make great mulches, but each has its own benefits and challenges. Organic mulches can help improve soil quality, but they need to be replenished every year. On the other hand, rocks don’t need to be replenished as often, but they do increase ambient temperatures.

Although we’ve had a couple of great winters, it’s important to take small steps each year to become more drought resilient and water efficient. We’re grateful for our snowpack and for the efforts Utahns have taken to ensure our water sources!

Image shows a large pipe being placed by a crane and a construction worker helping to guide the pipe.
Published September 23, 2025

SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 23, 2025) – The Water Development Coordinating Council will host four public meetings throughout the state in October to gather public input on the new Unified Water Infrastructure Plan (UWIP). These meetings are an opportunity for Utahns to learn more about the state’s new approach to funding water projects and to …

Read Full Article
picture shows Great Salt Lake with Antelope Island in the background
Published August 21, 2025

SALT LAKE CITY (August 21, 2025) – Utah’s reservoir levels are showing a drastic decline. Since June 1, the state has drawn down reservoirs at a rate more than double the normal rate. This is due to increased demand, lower-than-normal spring runoff and an extremely dry summer. 

Read Full Article
Published August 7, 2025

Utah is updating its state water plan — a roadmap for how we manage, use and protect water across the state. The Division of Water Resources wants to hear from you! Water Talks are open, community gatherings where your voice helps shape the future of water in your region and beyond.

Read Full Article