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Every year we waste millions of gallons of water while we’re trying to keep our lawns and gardens green. Some experts say that as much as 50 percent of the water used in landscape irrigation is lost to over watering, evaporation and poor sprinkler system design or maintenance. To reduce your use around flower and vegetable gardens consider using a drip irrigation system or a less expensive alternative like a soaker hose. Because these methods deliver water slowly and more directly to the roots of plants, much less of it is lost to evaporation… As much as 70 percent less than with conventional sprinklers. If you have a programmable irrigation system, install a rain sensor on it. It will interrupt the programmed cycle after or during a period of rain so you don’t over water. If you use a portable sprinkler, add a hose end timer so you don’t forget to turn it off.