Sprinkler System with Wastewater Reuse

Save Water Outdoors

Save Outdoors

Get Help with Your Landscape

Residents work very hard to make their landscape look great - - improving soil, selecting the right plants, fertilizing their lawn and gardens, and checking the sprinkler system. Knowing the best way to create and manage a sustainable, water saving landscape may not be an easy task.
Click each part of the infographic to learn more about saving water outdoors.
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interactive graphic - background images - yard base
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Interactive Graphic Piece - tree and hose
tree soak

Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation is the most efficient way to irrigate. When watering, place soaker hose or drip irrigation 8-18 inches from your foundation and at the dripline around your trees, not the trunk.  Water until the areas are saturated to a depth of 8-10 inches. Consider converting spray heads to drip irrigation in flower beds and garden areas. Watch this  to learn how.
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flower bush

Plant Native

Choose native and adapted plants suited for our North Texas climate. If you need some help choosing, visit page for suggestions.
rain barrel
rain cloud

Rain Barrel

Use a rain barrel to catch rain to recycle instead of using tap water whenever possible. Watch to learn how you can set up a rain barrel system for your yard!
sprinkler
lawn soak

Cycle and Soak

Following the cycle and soak method, landscapes are watered in multiple cycles at each sprinkler station – waiting 30 to 60 minutes between cycles to allow the water to soak into the soil and not runoff. For more info on when and how much to water, view/sign up for your area’s suggestions!
Trinity

System Maintenance

Check your irrigation system monthly to make sure it is running efficiently and fix it when necessary. View the following video links for additional suggestions on:
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Know When to Water

Water no more than two times per week and make sure to schedule your watering before 10 AM and after 6 PM! In the heat of the day, much of the sprinkler’s water is easily evaporated and won’t get a chance to properly soak your lawn. To save water and money, follow these times, and shut off your sprinklers when it rains.

During the summer, 50-80% of all our water is used outdoors.

This means that conserving outside can add up to significant water savings. Not only does this save you money, but it also ensures that our region will have the water it needs for years to come.
Want more information on plant selection, efficient and cost effective ways on watering your lawn or proper sprinkler maintenance? Check out Water Efficient Lawn & Garden Care for North Texas brochure!

How You Can Help

It is possible to have a healthy landscape and save water. In fact, many plants grow better when they receive just the right amount of water. Below are some simple tips for saving money and water when caring for your landscape. You can also . Also, check out to learn more about the topics below and have your questions answered.
Know When to Water:
  • Irrigate only when needed, and no more than twice per week (). For more information on when and how much to water, sign up for recommendations. It's like a watering calculator for your lawn.
  • . In fact, it's best to water early in the morning (3am - 6am) when it's cooler outside to prevent evaporation. Plus, many communities do not allow watering with automatic sprinkler systems between 10am and 6pm.
Trinity graphic to water before 10 am or after 6 pm
Trinity graphic to water before 10 am or after 6 pm
  • Get to know your irrigation controller and the . Consider using a to water more efficiently.
  • Install a rain and freeze sensor to prevent unnecessary watering. .
  • Watering during the fall and winter is generally not needed except to maintain soil moisture during the unusually dry periods. Turn your controller off to prevent sprinklers from running automatically. .
Trinity says to turn sprinklers off for the winter
Trinity says to turn sprinklers off for the winter
Cycle and Soak:
  • Running sprinklers too long leads to water waste. Use the '' irrigation method to prevent water from running off your yard. Find runtime recommendations by sprinkler type on the page.
Cycle and Soak Infographic
Maintain your Irrigation System:
  • Check your irrigation system at least monthly to make sure it is running efficiently and fix it when necessary. .
Trinity encouraging sprinkler maintenance
Trinity encouraging sprinkler maintenance
  • Water the yard, not the street! Homeowners can easily make small repairs and adjustments to sprinklers to prevent water waste. The videos below show how to make these quick and easy fixes
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Drip Irrigation:
  • Drip irrigation is the most efficient method to irrigate landscapes. Water trees, foundations, gardens and flower beds properly with soaker hoses or drip irrigation, not your sprinklers.
Foundation watering
  • It's a good idea to convert sprinklers in flower bed and garden areas to drip irrigation. .
Trinity using drip irrigation
Trinity using drip irrigation
Rain Barrels:
  • Use a rain barrel to catch rain to use instead of tap water whenever possible.
Plant Native:
Choose native and adapted plants suited for our North Texas climate. If you need some help choosing, visit page for suggestions. Here are a few additional tips to help maintain a healthy landscape:
  • Use 2"-4" of wood mulch (not rubber) in gardens and flower beds to hold in soil moisture and reduce weed competition.
  • Set the mower at the highest setting for healthy grass and to hold moisture in the soil longer.
Trinity plant native graphic
Trinity plant native graphic
Educational Brochures:

Teaching Students to Save

Teachers, want to encourage your students to conserve? We can provide educational tours of the Taylor Regional Water Treatment Plant and the Nancy Tam Water Wise Garden for your students. Check out our .