Water-Saving Landscaping

Low-maintenance solutions for intermountain regions

Challenges

Hot temperaturesCold temperatures

Shorter growing seasonDrying winds

Deluge/droughtPoor soil

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Solutions

WindbreaksXeriscaping

Soil amendmentNative plants

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Windbreaks

Structures◦ Fences

◦ Walls

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Windbreaks

Plants◦ Tree lines

◦ Hedges

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Serie 1

Serie 2

Serie 3

Water Cycle

Clouds

Condensation and Precipitation

Runoff and Percolation

Evaporation

Transpiration

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Water Consumption

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Activity Average Conservative

Brushing teeth 2 0.5

Washing hands 2 0.5

Toilet flush 5 2

Shaving 10 1

Shower (8 min.) 20 5

Bath 36 15

Dishwasher 15 7

Dishes by hand 20 5

Clothes washer 40 25

Lawn (20 min.) 200 200

Xeriscaping

Planting strategies that conserve water

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Xeriscaping

No additional watering

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Xeriscaping

Drip irrigation

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Soil Amendment

Eastern Washington loses more than 10 tons of soil per acre per year to rainfall runoff

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Native Plants

Tolerate temperature rangeTolerate droughtPrevent erosionSupport natural ecosystemAttract pollinatorsNeed little or no maintenanceSustainable

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Temperature Range

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0 50 100 150

Minimum

Average

Maximum

Seasonal Temperatures

Native Plants

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Photos courtesy of Rugged Country Plants