Using Water Wisely – What Can I Do?

When we work together, small actions make a big difference. Our everyday choices can make a difference in using water wisely. Look at the tips, videos and articles to learn more.

Outdoor Watering Nerds

Outdoor Watering Nerds are here to help you with questions about sprinkler systems, leak detection, calculating your water needs, designing landscapes with drought tolerant plants, DIY Videos and so much more.

AWE’s Landscape Transformation Study Released!

Alliance 4 Water Efficiency Launches Landscape Transformation Study

As cities face growing challenges ensuring a safe, reliable, long-term water supply, new research launched by the Alliance for Water Efficiency proves that urban landscapes represent a promising source of untapped water savings that can help stretch existing water supplies and increase resiliency to potential shortages.

This most recent research effort is a part of the Alliance for Water Efficiency’s Outdoor Water Savings Research Initiative, launched in 2015 to identify and clarify what programs, practices, and irrigation technologies can support effective utility-driven outdoor water efficiency programs. This work specifically assesses landscape transformation programs across diverse communities in North America, and analyzes the market readiness for such programs and sustainable landscapes.

Thinking about joining the AWE network? We’ve developed exclusive member-only resources, tools, and materials to support Landscape Transformation programs. Talk to us about how to access them!

City of Spokane Landscape Rebate Program

Slow the Flow with SpokaneScape

The City of Spokane is launching a new program to help residents reduce the amount of water they use for outdoor irrigation. The SpokaneScape rebate program allows for up to a $500 credit on a resident’s City utility bill for removing lawn and replacing it with water-smart plants and mulch.

“By far, outdoor irrigation on residential properties is our largest category of water use,” says Dan Kegley, the City’s Director of Water and Wastewater. “Lawns are thirsty, and different landscaping options are much more water efficient. Through this program, we want to demonstrate that SpokaneScape landscaping is beautiful, easy to maintain, and water smart.”

The rebate totals 50 cents per square foot of lawn removed; the program requires a minimum removal of 300 square feet. Trading out lawn for artificial turf does not qualify. A SpokaneScape program application and guidebook is available at www.waterstewardship.org

Download a copy of the SpokaneScape Guidebook

Water Smart Landscapes – Irrigation Efficiency

Water-Smart Landscapes Start with WaterSense

Irrigation of lawns is the single largest use of water. Outdoor water use creates peak demand on existing water supplies and system capacity during the summer months. During the summer, Kootenai and Spokane county utilities must increase supply to meet water needs, sometimes as much as three to four times the amount used during the winter. Continue reading →

Wisescape Guidebook

Wisescape® Guidebook promotes water-efficient landscaping on the Palouse, taking into consideration landscape design, reduction of resource use, soil enhancements, and plant selection. A practical and aesthetically design for all seasons, limiting traditional turf, plant selection based on local climate, and efficient irrigation methods are also key elements.

Continue reading →

Water Use Calculator

This water use calculator, developed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District Headquarters, itemizes Household Water Use by measuring the gallons you use for: Shower & bath, Toilet, Sink, Dishes by hand, Dishwasher, Laundry, Lawn, Outside & pool. Total Family water use is shown daily, weekly, monthly and yearly. You can also calculate your individual use and make a water pledge to reduce your water consumption. Continue reading →

EPA WaterSense

EPA Water Sense Water Efficiency is our responsibility. Earth may be known as the “water planet” but even though about 70 percent of its surface is covered by water, less than 1 percent is available for human use. Water supplies are finite, and we can all help protect this critical and precious resource.

Products & Partnerships: WaterSense helps people save water with a product label and tips for saving water indoors and out. Products bearing the WaterSense label have been independently certified to perform well; help save water, energy, and money; and encourage innovation in manufacturing. Continue reading →