Lawn watering

We live in a semi-arid area where lawns must be watered during the summer.  Most mornings in the summer, water running in the storm gutters proves that many homeowners are overwatering.  Even if water is abundant in your area, most home lawn sprinklers use drinking water, which means that significant resources are used to get that water to your home. Overwatering can also damage your lawn.  Cut back your lawn watering to “just enough”.  Here are some ideas:

1. Watering in the hot part of the day allows much of the water to evaporate before your lawn or garden can use it.  Water during the coolest part of the day, which is generally overnight.  In really hot, windy areas, the most effective time for watering is in early morning just before sunrise. 
2. If heavy rain is forecast or if it has just rained, turn off your automatic sprinkler system until the lawn needs water again.
3. If water is running off your yard into the street, try watering for a shorter time.  Experiment to find a good solution for your yard.
4. Read up on lawn care and learn how to care for your lawn so that it uses less water but remains healthy.  Many local university extensions can provide information that is specific to your area.