 irrigation irrigation our water consumption is at its highest during the summer months due to outdoor watering that s one reason irrigation whether it s a single sprinkler attached to a hose or a sophisticated underground system is a key component to your water conservation efforts the first point to remember is that the greatest waste of water is watering too much too often follow the guidelines below to help determine your landscape s watering needs how much the amount you water should be based on soil conditions and plant needs watering thoroughly but infrequently will help roots go deeper resulting in more water efficient drought tolerant plants if water puddles or runs off your lawn when you water split your total weekly watering time in half how often an established lawn should be watered separately from other plant areas and needs about 1 inch of water each week more during our infrequent hot and dry spells mature trees shrub beds and perennials typically need even less water what time  make sure you water before 10 am or after 6 pm when the air is calm and cooler and evaporation is kept to a minimum learn more water saving practices by visiting the other irrigation related pages in this section and downloading our 7 basic steps for creating water efficient landscapes  pdf brochure  irrigation irrigation   outdoor  