July is Smart Irrigation Month, an opportunity to celebrate saving water outdoors through efficient watering practices. Whether you have an internet-enabled sprinkler system or use a good, old-fashioned garden hose, you can save water this summer with these three smart tips:

1. Walk through your landscape periodically to check for leaks, broken sprinkler heads, loose connections, and other issues.

2. Add a shut-off nozzle to your garden hose to save 5-7 gallons of water each minute your hose in on, but not in use.

3. Sign up to receive the Weekly Watering Number via text or email to find out how much to water each week based on weather in your zip code.

Hot weather means more water use across the region. Using smart watering practices for your garden or landscape means you are helping the region use our most precious natural resource efficiently. Everyone can do their part to use water wisely. It’s just the right thing to do.