How to Water Your Lawn Efficiently During a Drought

When drought conditions hit, maintaining a lush, green lawn can feel like an impossible task. But with a few smart strategies, you can keep your grass healthy while conserving water and staying compliant with local restrictions. Here’s how to water your lawn efficiently during a drought. 

Timing is everything. Water your lawn early in the morning (before 10 a.m.) or in the evening (after 6 p.m.) when temperatures are cooler and evaporation rates are lower. This ensures more water reaches the roots instead of evaporating into the air. 

Instead of daily watering, aim for deep, infrequent watering. This encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, making your lawn more drought-resistant. A good rule of thumb is to water until the soil is moist 6 inches deep—usually about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. 

Invest in smart irrigation controllers or soil moisture sensors. These tools adjust watering schedules based on weather conditions and soil moisture levels, preventing overwatering and saving water. 

Inspect your sprinkler system for leaks, broken heads, or misaligned nozzles. A single broken sprinkler can waste hundreds of gallons of water each month. 

Use sprinklers that deliver water close to the ground to reduce evaporation. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are ideal for targeted watering and minimizing waste. 

Set your mower blade higher—around 3 inches—to shade the soil and reduce evaporation. Leave grass clippings on the lawn as mulch to retain moisture and add nutrients. 

Grass naturally goes dormant during droughts. It may turn brown, but it’s not dead. As long as you water occasionally (about once every 3–4 weeks), it will bounce back when conditions improve. 

Always check your local municipality’s drought regulations. Many areas have specific watering days and times and following them helps ensure fair water use for everyone. 

Efficient lawn watering during a drought isn’t just about saving your grass—it’s about being a responsible steward of your environment. With a few mindful changes, you can maintain a healthy lawn and help conserve one of our most precious resources.