Cultivating conservation: Preparing Midwest landscapes for summer

As spring arrives in the Midwest, it's an ideal time to prepare outdoor landscapes for the summer months while prioritizing water conservation and efficiency. With warmer temperatures on the horizon, public water suppliers and outdoor water users can take proactive steps to help ensure that gardens and lawns thrive without excessive water usage.   

Residents and businesses can prepare for summer by conducting maintenance on their irrigation systems and equipment. Those with sprinkler systems should inspect sprinkler heads for clogs, cracks, or damage, as well as check valves and fittings for any signs of wear or leaks. Equipment that is damaged or not delivering water evenly should be cleaned, repaired, and/or replaced to prevent water loss. This can also be a great time to review irrigation timer settings to align with municipal outdoor watering restrictions and adjust sprinkler spray angles to help ensure water reaches plants instead of sidewalks or driveways, minimizing runoff. For those with drip irrigation systems, examine emitters for blockages and clean or replace those that are malfunctioning. Similarly, those without in-ground systems should inspect hoses for cracks, holes, or kinks that could lead to leaks, and repair or replace damaged ones to enhance water efficiency.   

Residents and businesses should consider planting native species that thrive in the Midwest's climate, as these typically require less water once established. Grouping plants with similar watering needs can also optimize water use. Additionally, applying mulch, like wood chips or straw, helps retain soil moisture by reducing evaporation and suppressing weeds that compete for water and nutrients. Residents and businesses looking to learn more should check out the USEPA’s WaterSense program, which offers a multitude of resources to help residents and landscaping professionals take on practices like these and create water-smart landscapes.  

Public water utilities and municipalities can promote water conservation through awareness campaigns that focus on efficient landscaping techniques, such as installing drip irrigation systems and the benefits of using native plants and grasses. Workshops and informational materials can be effective avenues for guiding residents in these best practices and encouraging communities to reduce their water consumption collectively. For communities with outdoor lawn watering restrictions, such as those outlined in the NWPA’s regional water conservation lawn watering model ordinance, it is a good time to remind residents and businesses how to comply as the outdoor watering season approaches.   

Additionally, utilities and municipalities can offer incentives for adopting water-saving technologies like rain barrels and efficient irrigation systems. Rainy spring months present ample opportunities to collect rainwater that can be used for gardening and lawn care during dry spells, reducing reliance on municipal water supplies. Many communities within the NWPA, such as the Village of Montgomery and the City of Aurora, have rain barrel programs that offer discounted rain barrels to residents. Subsidizing the cost of these installations can motivate residents and businesses to invest in solutions that benefit both their landscapes and the community's overall water supply.  

​By adopting effective water conservation practices now, communities can cultivate beautiful landscapes while being mindful of the region's limited water resources. Together, they can foster a culture of conservation that significantly reduces water usage in the NWPA region. Check out the NWPA’s website for more resources on outdoor water conservation!