For most of us in the Kingsway, High Park, Swansea, Six Points or anywhere else in Toronto summer means watering lawns, washing cars and filling swimming pools. As a result, during the hot summer months, water use in most Canadian cities can double - placing stress on municipal water systems, increasing the chances of municipal restrictions on water usage and increasing the cost for both taxpayers and water users.

We have  a variety of tips you can use to help your lawn and garden cope with dry conditions, while minimizing water use:

• Before watering, always take into account the amount of water Mother Nature has supplied the week before. Leave a measuring container in the yard to help monitor rainfall (making sure to empty it once a week) and bear in mind any watering restrictions that may apply in your city.

• Lawns do not normally need more than about 2.5cm of water once a week. If you've received this amount or more in rainfall for the week, you can skip a week of watering. To measure the right amount, for example, place an empty tuna can on your lawn while watering evenly. Then time how long it takes to fill the can so you'll know how long to run your sprinkler for. You can also save water by selecting drought tolerant lawn species, such as fescues and white clover.

• If you use a sprinkler or hose, position it to avoid watering hard surfaces such as driveways and patios. Otherwise, you could be sending water-and money-down the drain!

• To reduce evaporation, water in the morning before 9:00a.m. and on less windy days. Water slowly and thoroughly to avoid run-off and ensure the soil absorbs the water. Thorough deep waterings are preferable to superficial, frequent ones.

• Regularly check your hose or irrigation equipment for leaks or blockages

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• Collect rainwater from your roof and down spouts in a rain barrel or other container, and keep it covered with an insect screen. Plus, use water from dish rinsing, dehumidifiers or other graywater sources that don't contain harmful chemicals.

• Don't cut your lawn any shorter than 6-8cm so that the roots are shaded and better able to hold water, and avoid mowing when the lawn is dry or dormant.

• Apply a layer of mulch around garden plants, shrubs and trees to retain moisture, moderate soil temperature, control erosion and suppress weeds.

• Select plant species that are well suited to the soil, sunlight and moisture conditions on your property.

• Finally, choose an efficient irrigation system. Place a soaker hose on the ground at the base of trees, shrubs, perennials, flower beds and vegetable gardens, or use a drip or trickle irrigation system. They apply water directly to the soil rather than to the leaves, while significantly reducing evaporation. Also, use a timer to automatically set the required watering time, which will help you avoid overwatering.

Source: CMHC