Water Conservation

Xeriscaping For a Water Wise Yard or Garden

Reduce water waste with strategic landscaping—use mulch, rain barrels, and dry creek beds to capture and retain moisture while choosing drought-tolerant plants for a thriving, low-water yard.

Improve Soil

The first step in a water-wise yard is to improve the soil.

• High clay content soil promotes run-off and water loss.

• Sandy soil allows water to drain through before being used.

• Ideal soil has plenty of organic matter acting like a sponge to hold water but release it as plants need it.

Use Mulch

Add a thick layer of mulch around your plants to hold moisture, minimize evaporation, and breakdown into new soil, enriching growth.

Stop Runoff

Build a dry creek or stone streambed on the lower side of your yard to capture water runoff.

Capture the Rain

Put a rain barrel on your gutters to capture water for your garden.

Rain Gauge

Most gardens do well with only 1 inch of rain per week. Install a rain gauge to avoid watering unnecessarily.

Water Wisely

Plants do better with less frequent, but deeper watering. Frequent, shallow watering encourages grass or other plants to develop shallow root systems that dry out quickly.

Replace Turf

Replace as much grass as you can with low maintenance, drought-tolerant plants.

Try Succulents

Succulents are drought-defying plants that provide tons of color and require minimal watering.

Rely on Containers

Fill containers with colorful collections of water-wise plants that you can ignore when rainfall is scarce.

Plant Ground Covers

Stop water loss erosion on slopes or hillsides with ground covers. Ground cover plants have dense root systems that form a sponge like layer beneath the soil that absorbs and holds moisture.

Let It Drain

Avoid layers of concrete for new patios or walkways. Choose paving bricks or steppingstones that allow rain to seep into the ground.

Create Water Zones

Cluster thirstier plants together to avoid watering the entire landscape for plants that need more water.

Build a Rain Garden

Use low areas where rainfall pools for moisture loving plants that absorb the collected water.

Include Herbs

Common herbs thrive in dry conditions making them a top pick for dry landscapes. They also add color and fragrance to your yard or garden for very little water.

Think Small

A lot of the most drought-resistant plants are ground hugging plants that slowly carpet your garden. Let them provide cover for your yard with very little water required.

Stop The Wind

Wind causes plants to lose moisture, forcing them to pull additional moisture from the soil. A wood fence or hedgerow will reduce the wind and its drying effects on your yard and garden.

H₂O Home Kit Components

• Installing a Low-Flow Showerhead: A low-flow showerhead can save up to 2,300 gallons of water per year, reducing energy bills by as much as $145. Since installation only takes a few minutes, it’s one of the easiest ways to lower water and energy usage in your home.

• Installing a Shower Timer: Reduce water and energy bills with a shower timer that helps you save money while making a positive impact on the environment.

• Installing Kitchen and Bathroom Low-Flow Faucet Aerators: Faucet aerators are a simple and effective way to reduce water usage without sacrificing performance.

• Using a Rain Gauge: A rain gauge helps you determine exactly how much additional water your plants need. By watering only when necessary, you reduce waste, conserve water, and save money on your bill.

• Installing a Toilet Fill Cycle Diverter: A fill cycle diverter conserves water by redirecting excess water from the bowl to the tank during the fill cycle, reducing unnecessary waste.

• Using Blue Dye or Leak Detection Tablets for Toilets: Regularly testing for leaks helps prevent water waste, as even small, silent leaks can lead to significant water loss over time.

• Installing a WaterWise Water Saver Flapper for Toilet Bowls: This flapper helps detect and prevent leaks, minimizing costly water loss by stopping unnecessary tank refills and automatically shutting off if the flapper is stuck open.

• Using a Water Hose Meter: A hose meter measures water output when using your garden hose, helping you track and manage outdoor water usage more efficiently.

• Installing a Water Hose Timer: A hose timer allows you to control watering duration, reducing excess water use and saving money while keeping your garden healthy.

Fix Leaks – Fixing a dripping faucet or leaking toilet not only saves water but also reduces homeowners' water bills and prevents potential damage to the house.

Wash Full Loads of Laundry and Dishes – Running full loads helps cut down on the number of cycles per year, saving both water and energy.

Go Native with Your Garden! – Native grasses and plants are adapted to Kansas' climate, requiring less water, fewer nutrients, and minimal fertilizers to thrive.

Water Your Lawn Early in the Morning, Not in the Heat of the Day – Watering in the early morning allows for better absorption and reduces evaporation in the heat.

Recycle Leftover Water – Use half-empty glasses or water from your pet’s bowl to hydrate your plants or garden instead of pouring it down the drain.

Add Mulch to Your Garden – Mulch helps retain soil moisture, keeping it cool and reducing the need for frequent watering.

Turn Off the Water When Brushing Your Teeth – "Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can save 8 gallons of water per day," says Saare-Edwards. "Assuming you brush twice daily, that adds up to nearly 2,920 gallons saved per year."

Try a New Shower Head – Reducing your shower time makes a big difference, but replacing your old shower head with a WaterSense-labeled model can help even more. The EPA estimates the average family can save 2,700 gallons of water per year—along with the energy needed to heat it.

Use One Glass Per Day – Stay hydrated while reducing dishes by using the same glass or reusable water bottle throughout the day.

Support Healthy Waterways – Reduce single-use plastics, such as plastic bottles and bags, to keep them out of waterways that drain into rivers and eventually the ocean.