Audit every zone and fix leaks first.
A UC ANR landscape case study found irrigation scheduling changes delivered about 33% outdoor savings.
Enable weather adjust after hydrozones are sane; plant swaps last.
Kit
- Controller access
- Flags for broken heads
- Mulch
- Drip conversion parts for shrub beds
- Meter photo log
Do this
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Audit every zone
Run each zone; fix misting, overspray onto concrete, and mixed plant types on one valve.
UC ANR.
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Switch beds to drip
Shrubs and perennials almost always prefer drip over spray. Microirrigation can cut use substantially versus conventional spray when designed well.
UC ANR.
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Mulch everything bare
Match depth to texture (see our mulch guide). Mulch is free evaporation control.
UC ANR.
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Enable weather adjust
WaterSense weather-based controllers help — after leaks and hydrozones are fixed. Average savings claims assume proper setup.
EPA WaterSense.
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Swap the thirstiest patches last
Replace unused lawn after schedules are sane. Drought-tolerant plants only save water if irrigation is reduced.
UC ANR.
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