As warmer weather approaches, you’re probably dreaming of backyard barbecues, long holiday weekends, and lazy summer days. But while you’re planning for all the season’s best moments, it’s also smart to prepare for something a little less exciting: summer drought conditions and tighter water restrictions.
Before the heat hits, prep your home and garden for smart, efficient water use. Fortunately, you don’t have to overhaul your whole home to make a big difference. We’ve got 7 smart water-saving projects to tackle this spring to cut water waste and make your home more drought-resilient. So grab your tools for a few simple drought-proofing fixes that will save money and help the environment.
1. Fix Leaky Faucets and Toilets
A slow drip may seem like a harmless annoyance, but did you know that over time, minor leaks can waste hundreds of gallons of water? According to the EPA, household leaks can waste nearly 10,000 gallons of water each year—that’s enough to do 270 loads of laundry! Look out for little leaks that are wasting water.
What to do:
• Check under sinks and around toilet bases and hose connections for moisture.
• Listen for running toilets or do the food coloring test—add a few drops of food coloring to your toilet tank; If the color seeps into the bowl without flushing it means water is leaking from the tank into the bowl.
• Replace worn-out washers, flappers, or valves—inexpensive and DIY-friendly repairs you can easily do yourself.
2. Install Low-Flow Fixtures
Upgrading your home’s plumbing fixtures is a fast and affordable way to boost water efficiency. Today’s low-flow fixtures offer the same performance with significantly less water usage. You may even be able to get a rebate from your water utility for upgrading to energy efficient models!
Try this:
• Install WaterSense-labeled showerheads and faucets or add aerators to existing fixtures to reduce water without sacrificing pressure.
• Replace older toilets with high-efficiency models—they use as little as 1.28 gallons per flush compared to older models that use up to 6 gallons.
3. Set Up a Rain Barrel System
Why let precious rainwater run into storm drains when you could store it for later? A rain barrel collects runoff from your roof and stores it for use on your garden, lawn, or even for washing your car. It’s a simple hack that reduces your reliance on city water and lowers your water bill.
How it works:
• Connect a rain barrel to your downspout.
• Use a spigot or hose to draw water as needed.
• Cover it with a screen to keep out debris and mosquitoes.
4. Upgrade to Smart Irrigation Controls
Watering the lawn and garden beds may feel like a summer must, but it’s one of the most common sources of water waste. Traditional sprinkler systems often overwater or run during rainstorms. A smart irrigation controller adapts your watering schedule based on weather, soil moisture, and plant needs.
Why it helps:
• Prevents overwatering.
• Adjusts automatically for rain or humidity.
• Can reduce outdoor water waste by up to 50%.
5. Check Your Sprinklers for Leaks
Broken sprinkler heads, misaligned nozzles, and cracked hoses are silent water wasters. A routine inspection now can prevent gallons of water loss once summer watering ramps up.
What to look for:
• Sprinklers spraying sidewalks or driveways.
• Pooled water or soggy patches.
• Mist instead of a steady spray, which could mean pressure is too high.
6. Replace Thirsty Plants with Native or Drought-Tolerant Ones
Your landscape choices play a major role in water use. Swapping out water-hungry grass and plants for native or drought-resistant varieties can dramatically reduce the amount of water you use, plus your yard will be more resilient in dry conditions.
Steps to take:
• Replace a section of your lawn with hardy groundcovers that thrive with little water, like creeping thyme or sedum.
• Use mulch to retain soil moisture—it’ll keep down weeds, too.
• Choose shrubs, grasses, and perennials that are native to your region and thrive with less water. The National Wildlife Foundation has a handy guide for finding flowers, grasses, trees and shrubs that are well-suited to where you live.
7. Insulate Hot Water Pipes
Does it take forever for your shower to warm up? Every second you wait for hot water sends water (and money) down the drain. Insulating your hot water pipes helps reduce heat loss as water makes its way to your shower, so you use less water overall.
Get started:
• Use foam pipe insulation, which is pre-slit to slip right over pipes quickly and easily.
• If you don’t want to insulate the entire length of the pipe, focus on the first 3 to 6 feet of the pipe from the water heater.
• Use pre-formed tees and elbows to make insulating pipes easier.
