Water your lawn early in the morning during the hot months. Much of the water used on the lawn can simply evaporate between the sprinkler and the grass. (Watering late in the day to avoid evaporation can invite plant disease.)

Use a sprinkler that produces drops of water rather than a fine mist, to avoid evaporation.

If you use a soaker hose, turn it so the holes are on the bottom to avoid evaporation.

Water slowly for better absorption, and never on windy days.

Forget about watering the streets or walks or driveways. They won't grow a thing.

Condition the soil with compost before planting grass or flowerbeds so that water will soak in rather than running off.

Fertilize lawns at least twice a year for root stimulation. Grass with good root systems makes better use of less water.

Learn to know when your grass needs watering. If it has turned a dull gray-green and when footprints remain visible as you walk across it, it's time to water.

Don't water too frequently. Too much water can overload the soil so that air cannot get to the roots, and can encourage plant diseases.

Don't over-water. Soil can absorb only so much moisture and the rest simply runs off. A timer will help, and either your kitchen timer or an alarm clock will do. An inch-and-a-half of water applied once a week will keep most Texas grasses alive and happy. 

Automatic sprinkler systems should be operated only when the demand on your town's water supply is lowest. Set the system to operate between four and six a.m. 

Don't scalp your lawn during hot weather. Taller grass holds moisture better. Grass cut fairly often, so that only 1/2 to 3/4 inch is trimmed off will produce a better-looking lawn. 

If small areas in your yard need more frequent watering (those near walks or driveways or in especially hot, sunny spots), use watering can or hand water with the hose only in those areas.

Learn what types of grass, shrubbery and plants do best in your area, and in which parts of your yard, and then plant accordingly. If you have a heavily shaded yard, no amount of water will make the roses bloom. In especially dry sections of the state, consider attractive arrangements of plants that like arid or semi-arid climates. 

You don't have to be a horticulturist to have an attractive yard, but do learn about the plants you have so that you can water just enough to keep them healthy, and not enough to waste water and injure the plants. 

Consider decorating areas of your yard with rocks, gravel, wood chips, or other materials which are now available and which require no water at all. 

Never "sweep" your walks and driveways with the hose. Use a broom or rake. 

When washing the car, use a bucket of soapy water and use the hose only for rinsing.

Remember that saving water also saves energy. About 50 percent of the water used in a home is hot water. Providing energy to fuel your hot water heater is a major drain on your utility bill. So save water and you save energy and money at the same time.