During this hot Texas summer, are you wondering how to keep your lawn healthy and not break the bank on your water bill? Consider using WaterMyYard!  WaterMyYard is a free science-based tool that was developed with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Harris-Galveston Subsidence District and Galveston Bay Foundation to help you keep your lawn healthy but reduce wasted water. Over 50% of landscape water is wasted due to inefficient water practices, overwatering, or poorly maintained irrigation systems. Overwatering a landscape can not only compound lawn issues, but it can also lead to increased flooding, harmful runoff into Galveston Bay, and subsidence.  Subsidence is the gradual sinking of the Earth’s surface due to groundwater withdrawals which leads to further flooding concerns.

When you sign up for a WaterMyYard account you can add your lawn specifics, irrigation system details and other relevant information to get weekly watering recommendations on how long to water your yard. Here are some other tips to help you conserve water and protect Galveston Bay:

• Water early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid losing water to evaporation.
• Check your sprinkler set up frequently to make sure there are no leaks and that your sprinklers are not aimed at impervious surfaces such as asphalt or concrete.
• Don’t cut your lawn too short! Slightly longer grass will shade the soil to help it not dry out as quickly, and leaving grass clippings on the lawn helps to maintain moisture and return nutrients to the soil. 
• Incorporate native plants into your landscaping design. Native plants are adapted to the hot Texas summers and do not need to be watered as frequently. They also provide a food source for native pollinators. Win-Win!
• Install a rain barrel to collect water to use for watering potted plants, washing your car, etc.

Learn more about what you can do to get started at www.watermyyard.org!