Landscapes + Irrigation

Outdoor water efficiency focuses on smart landscape choices, irrigation equipment, controllers, and watering schedules. Outdoor use is often the largest end-use of water in a community and is heavily influenced by weather. Climate change is expected to increase outdoor water demands. Thoughtful projects can deliver multiple benefits, such as improved local water quality through reduced runoff, urban heat reduction through increased shade, and expanded habitats for pollinators. Effective outdoor water management can help communities lower costs by reducing peak demand and deferring infrastructure expansion. Strategies include landscape transformations, optimized irrigation, smart technology, educational outreach, land use policies, and rainwater reuse.