1. Plan for low water use: Choose native or adapted plants and use a design that favors low water use whenever possible. This will reduce the need for irrigation and help reduce water waste.
2. Use efficient irrigation systems: Use efficient irrigation systems such as drip irrigation and automated irrigation systems that use water sensors to help conserve water.
3. Use permeable surfaces: Use permeable surfaces such as permeable pavers, gravel, and mulch to allow water to percolate back into the soil. This will help reduce runoff and increase groundwater recharge.
4. Design for water harvesting: Design for water harvesting by using rain barrels, cisterns, and other collection systems to capture and store rainwater for later use.
5. Use swales and rain gardens: Use swales and rain gardens to collect and filter stormwater runoff. These can be used in conjunction with larger water harvesting systems.
6. Plan for microclimates: Plan for microclimates within the landscape design. This means planting areas with different sun exposure and soil conditions to create a wider range of plant types and water needs.
7. Plan for maintenance: Plan for landscape maintenance that minimizes water use and encourages proper water management practices. This includes proper pruning techniques and regularly checking irrigation systems for leaks.
8. Prioritize water conservation practices: Prioritize water conservation practices within the design. This means considering the total landscape water demand and choosing plant species and irrigation systems that use water efficiently.
9. Use green infrastructure: Incorporate green infrastructure into the landscape design, such as green roofs and bioswales, to help manage stormwater runoff and promote sustainable water management practices.
10. Educate and engage: Educate and engage the community on sustainable water management practices in the landscape. This can include workshops, outreach programs, and social media campaigns to promote water conservation and sustainable practices.
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