Outdoor Water Use

Simple Outdoor Conservation Tips

Reducing outdoor water usage is one of the best places to focus water conservation efforts. As mentioned on the Residential water conservation page, some easy ways to save water include:

  • Adjust sprinklers to prevent overspray and runoff onto the street or sidewalk.
  • Equip hoses with shut-off nozzles and use drip irrigation systems.
  • Water your landscape early in the morning or late at night
  • Place mulch throughout your garden to reduce evaporation, even soil temperature, and reduce weed growth. This can save hundreds of gallons per year.
  • Plant drought resistant and/or low water using plants such as California Natives. This can also save hundreds of gallons per year.
  • Use a pool cover to cut down on water evaporation

CVWD WaterWise Garden Contest

Drought resistant gardens can be lush and colorful and attract wildlife such as butterflies and hummingbirds. To encourage and inspire customers to engage in water conserving landscaping practices, the District held a contest where participants were judged on the garden's attractiveness and ease of maintenance (including low water usage).

2025 Winner - Jeanette and Robert Munoz

A family poses outside with colorful flowers, a tree, and a palm, smiling together with a small dog and a wheelchair.
Joining Jeanette (seated) in the photo are Veronica Robles, Kelly Robles and Judy Morelli with her puppy, Misa.

The Munoz garden is a testament to dedication and a deep love for native plants. Inspired by Jeanette's late husband Gus’s 50 years of conservation efforts at UCSB, their garden reflects a belief that beauty and sustainability can coexist. Their goal has always been to ensure water availability for future generations, demonstrating that a vibrant garden doesn't require sacrificing precious resources.

The Munoz garden has been a continuous labor of love, a journey shared by Jeanette, Gus, and their son, Robert. Back in 1979, with guidance from local nurseryman, Richard Abe, they replaced their traditional lawn with water-wise and native plants, such as foxtail agave, jade, California poppies, Mexican sage, and lantana to name a few. During the transformation, they embraced the process of learning and creating together, falling in love with the plants and the peaceful beauty they were cultivating.

Jeanette shared that the most rewarding aspect of the transformation was the collaboration and community connection. Neighbors would often stop by, ask questions, and show genuine interest in their progress. Watching new plants sprout and thrive brought immense joy, making every step of the process feel worthwhile.

Today, the hand-watered garden is a living legacy that reminds Jeanette and her family of Gus. Every corner holds memories of their time working on it together. Their garden stands as a beautiful testament to love, family, and a commitment to conserving water.

As the winner of the WaterWise Garden Contest in Carpinteria, the Munoz family received a beautifully engraved sandstone boulder to display in their front yard.

A cozy garden nook features a bench with colorful woven pillows, surrounded by vibrant flowers, plants, and decorative elements.
A garden scene featuring large plants, a statue of a person holding a dish, and colorful animal sculptures, including a turtle and a rooster.
The image shows a tall white flower surrounded by pink flowers and green foliage, under a clear blue sky.
A garden scene featuring vibrant flowers, plants, and a turtle among rocks and greenery, with a car visible in the background.
The image shows white flowering plants with two bees collecting nectar. Lush green foliage surrounds them.
A cozy garden nook features a bench with colorful woven pillows, surrounded by vibrant flowers, plants, and decorative elements.
A garden scene featuring large plants, a statue of a person holding a dish, and colorful animal sculptures, including a turtle and a rooster.
The image shows a tall white flower surrounded by pink flowers and green foliage, under a clear blue sky.
A garden scene featuring vibrant flowers, plants, and a turtle among rocks and greenery, with a car visible in the background.
The image shows white flowering plants with two bees collecting nectar. Lush green foliage surrounds them.

Water wise gardens, such as the Munoz's demonstrate that landscapes can include lush plantings and flowers, attract wildlife, are easy to maintain, and use little water - saving money on your water bill.  For more information, visit www.WaterWiseSB.org. Let’s Save Together!

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