Landscape irrigation accounts for up to 60% of total household water use. The lawn accounts for the majority of this use. Finding the amount of water currently used on a lawn can be compared with what the lawn requires and potentially save water by altering irrigation times and adjusting heads.
Checking how much water is used is not difficult and can be done using simple supplies. Basically, all that is needed are:
- Straight-sided cans
- A measuring device
- Simple mathematical calculations
Some states have kits that can be checked out at local Cooperative Extension Service offices and websites are available that will do the calculations for you. Check with local Cooperative Extension offices or see the resources below for more information.
Video demonstrating how to conduct a water audit.
Colorado State University Extension (YouTube)
Additional Resources:
West
Colorado- Lawn Irrigation Self Audit (LISA)