<h1>Outdoor Water Conservation Tips</h1>
<p><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/images/outdoor_washcar.jpg" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px; float: left" />During the warm summer months, we in the Portland metro area spend time outdoors tending to our lawns, growing our gardens, washing our cars &mdash; all activities that depend on water.&nbsp; As a result, water usage can double or triple.</p>
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<h2>Here are 10 ways to curb your water use while still maintaining a green and vibrant landscape.</h2>
<ol>
	<li><strong>Adjust your sprinklers so that they&rsquo;re watering your lawn and garden</strong>, and not the street or sidewalk.&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Water early in the morning (before 10a.m) or later in the evening (after 6 p.m.)</strong> when temperatures are cooler and evaporation is minimized.</li>
	<li><strong>Set it, but don&rsquo;t forget it!</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Whether you have a manual or automatic system, be sure to adjust your&nbsp;<a href="http://www.conserveh2o.org/program-your-sprinkler-system" title="info on creating a watering schedule">watering schedules</a> throughout the irrigation season.&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Water established lawns about 1 inch per week</strong> (a bit more during hot, dry weather).&nbsp; Find out how much to water this week with the <a href="http://www.conserveh2o.org/weekly-watering-number" title="Weekly Watering Number">Weekly Watering Number</a>.</li>
	<li><strong>Inspect your overall irrigation system for leaks, broken lines or blockage in the lines.</strong>&nbsp; A well <a href="http://www.conserveh2o.org/sprinkler-system-maintenance-tips" title="sprinkler maintenance 101">maintained</a> system will save you money, water, and time.&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Consider replacing some turf area with low water use <a href="http://www.conserveh2o.org/using-water-efficient-plants" title="info on plants">plants</a> and ornamental grasses.</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; They are easier to maintain than turf, look beautiful, and require far less water.</li>
	<li><strong>Group plants with like watering needs.</strong>&nbsp; Creating &ldquo;watering zones&rdquo; in your garden will allow you to give each plant the water it requires &mdash; not too much or too little.</li>
	<li><strong>Add a shut-off nozzle to your garden hose</strong> and save about 5-7 gallons each minute your hose is on.</li>
	<li><strong>Adjust your mower to a higher setting.</strong>&nbsp; A taller lawn provides shade to the roots and helps retain soil moisture, so your <a href="http://www.conserveh2o.org/lawn-grass-water-use" title="infor about lawns">lawn</a> requires less water.</li>
	<li><strong>Apply the amount of water your soil can absorb.</strong>&nbsp;Water thoroughly, but infrequently. If run off or puddling occurs, break longer watering sessions into several short sessions allowing water to soak into the soil between each session.</li>
</ol>
<h2>DIEZ maneras de conservar el <em>agua </em>en exteriores</h2>
<p><a href="/sites/default/files/resources/rwpc_resources/Outdoor-tips-spanish.pdf">Aqui</a></p>
<h2>Interesting in saving water indoors too?&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Click <a href="http://www.conserveh2o.org/indoor-water-conservation-tips" title="indoor Water Saving Tips"><span style="color: #318ca7">here</span></a>.</p>
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