According to the EPA, landscape irrigation is estimated to account for almost one-third of all residential water use, totaling more than 7 billion gallons per day. So as summer arrives and temperatures rise, resist the temptation to keep your lawn golf-course green with constant watering, and keep these water-saving tips in mind: 

• Use a sprinkler timer. Timers will automatically shut off your sprinkler system after a set period so you don't have to remember. Sprinkler timers are available at Home Depot stores from $39.99 and up (www.homedepot.com). 

• Use sprinklers that emit large drops of water, low and close to the ground (not the sidewalk or street), and water early in the morning. This will ensure that the water soaks into the soil instead of evaporating. The Noodlehead Sprinkler features flexible nozzles so you can spray the water right where you need to (from $16.95, www.noodleheadsprinkler.com). 

• Don't water every day. Simply test the lawn first to see if it needs water. If you step on the grass and it springs back easily, it doesn't need water. Or, try pushing a long screwdriver into the lawn. If you can push it easily for several inches, you don't need to water. 

• While it may be tempting to spray off your driveway and sidewalk while you've got the hose out, save the water for the yard and use the broom instead.