This is an excellent and often inexpensive way to reduce water usage. An automatic irrigation system including piping, and control units, can be installed by a do-it-yourselfer for less than $1,000, assuming a normal sized garden and lawn. Inexpensive options include a Rain Bird “rain sensor” that shuts off a system if it detects rain (shown). You can even control irrigation via the cloud with Cyber-Rain’s XCI cloud products that automatically adjust for local weather conditions. Mobile apps are available.

Hunter also makes automated irrigation systems that can be tied to cisterns and rainwater harvesting devices. Focus on drip irrigation instead of above-ground sprinkling, and you’ll save more money.