Outdoor Water Savings

The community of Mammoth Lakes uses almost 20 million gallons a week for irrigation during our summer months. The Mammoth Community Water District has developed an irrigation schedule to assist in mitigating this increased demand. Please do your part to conserve our water resources; look at our Managing a Water Efficient Lawn page for suggestions on how to lower your outdoor usage.

To anonymously report water violators, please click here. 

Bar graph showing monthly water use, peaking in July-August due to irrigation, with a notable rise from May to September.

Outdoor Water Saving Resources

Simple Irrigation and Landscape Water-Saving Tips 
  • Water only when necessary – saves 1,100 gallons per irrigation cycle.
  • Water in the early morning, before 10 a.m., to reduce evaporation and interference from the wind – saves 25 gallons per day.
  • Check sprinkler system for leaks, overspray and broken sprinkler heads – saves 500 gallons per month.
  • Turn off hoses when not in use and use a automatic shut-off nozzle – saves up to 7,500 gallons per year.
  • Replace thirsty plants with California Friendly drought-resistant varieties – saves hundreds of gallons each year per plant.
  • Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks – saves 150 gallons each time.
  • Install a “smart” sprinkler controller – saves 40 gallons per irrigation cycle.
  • Deliver the appropriate pressure to your irrigation system – reduces water use by 30%
  • Place organic mulch throughout garden to reduce evaporation, even out soil temperatures and inhibit weed growth – save hundreds of gallons per year.
  • Test your system for leaks or timer problems before turning on your irrigation system in the spring. Click here for great Sprinkler Spruce-Up tips from WaterSense. For more information on testing for leaks, please contact your plumber.
Defensible Space Landscaping Tips