WaterWise Tips

Easy, everyday ways to save water, lower your bill and help protect Bend’s water resources for the future.

Bunch grasses grow in outdoor setting with red flowers in background

Small changes at home can make a big difference. If each household saves just 17 gallons per day, Bend can protect its water supply, reduce costs, and delay the need for new infrastructure.

Outdoor Water Saving Tips

Most household water use in Bend happens outdoors, especially for lawns and landscaping. Paying attention to how and when you irrigate can significantly reduce waste while keeping your yard healthy.

Everyday Habits

  • Run sprinklers 2 minutes less per day to save about 20 gallons per day
  • Use a hose shutoff nozzle to avoid unnecessary water use and save 10-20 gallons per day
  • Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day
  • Review and adjust your watering schedule regularly

Irrigation Efficiency

  • Inspect your irrigation system at the start of the season
  • Check for leaks and repair broken sprinkler heads regularly
  • Adjust sprinklers to prevent overspray onto sidewalks, streets or driveways. Learn how here:
  • Schedule a free sprinkler inspection to identify inefficiencies
  • Upgrade to a smart irrigation controller that adjusts to weather conditions
Learn about resources for outdoor water savings

Smarter Landscaping

  • Choose plants suited to Central Oregon’s climate — find them in OSU Master Gardeners “Waterwise Gardening in Central Oregon”
  • Use drip irrigation to target water where it’s needed most
  • Improve water delivery by installing high-efficiency nozzles. Learn how here:
  • Adding a 3-inch layer of mulch to the landscape can decrease evaporation by 70%, saving up to 30 gallons/irrigation, depending on soil.
Learn about water-wise landscaping at our Demonstration Garden

Follow Irrigation Rules

  • Water during approved hours: 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. (best between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m.)
  • Avoid watering during the day (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) to reduce evaporation and system strain
  • Learn how to correctly program your irrigation controller:
  • Follow your watering schedule: Even addresses water on even days and odd addresses water on odd days. All addresses can water on the 31st
  • Don’t let water run off into streets, sidewalks or neighboring property
Learn more about the City’s watering regulations

Indoor Water Saving Tips

Most water used indoors supports everyday activities like showering, flushing and washing. Simple upgrades and small habit changes can reduce daily use without sacrificing comfort — and can save up to 27 gallons per day with efficient fixtures.

Water coming out of a silver shower head with white tile background

Everyday Habits

  • Take 2 minutes off your shower to save about 5 gallons per day
  • Check for leaks regularly — small household leaks can waste thousands of gallons each year
  • Use leak detection tablets in toilets to catch silent leaks
Learn more about indoor conservation

Upgrade and Save

  • Install WaterSense-labeled showerheads for efficient performance
  • Replace faucet aerators with efficient models
  • Upgrade to a high-efficiency toilet (1.28 gallons per flush or less)
  • These fixture upgrades can save about 27 gallons per day.
Learn about rebates and free conservation kits

Track and Improve

  • Use our free WaterSmart software to monitor daily water use
  • Set up leak alerts to catch problems early
Access WaterSmart software

Educational Resources

WaterWise Landscape Guide

Learn More

WaterWise Irrigation Guide

Learn More

WaterWise Weekly Tip

Learn More

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