At least 30% of water used annually by a single-family suburban household is for outdoor irrigation. The tips below will help you conserve water and save money.

- Adjust the height of your lawn mower to cut your grass higher. This helps protect roots from heat stress and reduces the loss of moisture to evaporation.

- Water your lawn and landscape plants early in the morning when the sun's rays aren't working to evaporate your water.

- Select plants that are native to your region and can thrive with little or no extra watering. Your local nursery can help you identify and select drought-tolerant plants.

- Plant in the spring or fall when lower temperatures mean plants use less water.