Save Water, Protect Your Home and The Environment
Download the Around the House (PDF) brochure for quick and easy tips on how to save water, protect your home and the environment. Print and post a copy in your home to help remind the whole family.
Be a Water-Wise Gardener
Here are five watering tips and tricks from the City of Toronto:
Tip 1: Water in the morning
- Water in the early morning to reduce water lost to evaporation.
- Avoid night watering — leaving grass wet overnight can promote fungal disease outbreaks.
Tip 2: Don't over water
- Let it soak in — don't apply water faster than your soil can soak it up. If water is running off your lawn, it's definitely time to stop.
- Know your soil type and follow these rules of thumb:
- Sandy soils can't hold much water — apply 1.5 cm (about ½ inch) of water twice a week.
- Clay soils are more compacted and need water applied slowly to allow time to soak in — apply 2.5 cm (about 1 inch) of water once a week.
- Use a rain gauge to measure the amount of water your lawn and garden receive each week from all sources, including rainfall. Time how long it takes for your lawn or garden to get the water needed and use that as a guideline each week.
- If it has rained in the past week or forecasted to rain in the next few days, adjust your watering to account for Mother Nature's contribution.
Tip 3: Use the right tools
- For lawns, use a sprinkler that directs the water close to the ground and roots.
- For trees, shrubs and flower gardens, use a watering can or drip hose that provides slow and steady amounts of water.
- Newly planted trees and shrubs require deep watering once a week until they are established (usually one season).
- For vegetable gardens, use a soaker hose. The small holes along the full length of the hose allow water to drip directly down to plant roots.
- Apply mulch over any exposed soil surface to retain moisture, moderate soil temperature, control erosion and suppress weeds.
Tip 4: Don't waste water
- Disconnect your downspout and use water that would otherwise go into the sewer system to water grass and gardens. Connecting your downspout to a rain barrel can make this job even easier.
- Fix your leaking garden hose and connections.
- Direct the water where it is needed, keeping it away from curbs or sidewalks.
Tip 5: Think about a water-efficient garden
- Replace some or all or your lawn with drought-tolerant plants.
- Visit the gardening section of our website or your local garden centre for a list of water-wise plants.
For more detailed information on how to save water:
- Seasonal tips
- in the kitchen
- in the bathroom
- in the laundry room
- lawn watering and soil type
- pools
- downspout disconnection