Start a compost pile. Using compost when you plant adds water-holding organic matter to the soil.
Use a screwdriver as a soil probe to test soil moisture. If it goes in easily, don't water. Proper lawn watering can save thousands of gallons of water annually.
Avoid over seeding your lawn with winter grass. Once established, ryegrass needs water every three to five days, whereas dormant Bermuda grass needs water only once a month.
Landscape with xeriscape trees, plants and groundcovers. Call your local conservation office for more information about these water thrifty plants.
Leave lower branches on trees and shrubs and allow leaf litter to accumulate on top of the soil. This keeps the soil cooler and reduces evaporation.
Aerate your lawn. Punch holes in your lawn about six inches apart so water will reach the roots rather than run off the surface.