Your yard is more than just a beautiful space—it plays a role in protecting the groundwater we all rely on here in the Coachella Valley. Groundwater is the water stored beneath our feet in aquifers, and it supplies nearly all of the drinking water in our region. By making smart landscaping choices, you can help keep this precious resource clean and plentiful.
Here are some tips to create a yard that’s both water-wise and groundwater-friendly:
- Plant With Purpose. Choose native and desert-adapted plants. They not only thrive in our climate with less water, but their deep roots also help the soil absorb and filter water naturally.
- Rethink Your Lawn. Lawns are thirsty. Consider reducing your turf area or swapping grass for low-water alternatives such as groundcovers, decorative rock, or artificial turf in high-traffic areas.
- Use Mulch. A layer of mulch around plants helps the soil hold moisture, reduces evaporation, and prevents weeds. Less watering means less stress on our groundwater supply.
- Irrigate Efficiently. Install a smart irrigation controller or drip system to deliver water directly to plant roots. Water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation.
- Go Easy on Chemicals. Fertilizers and pesticides can seep into the ground and contaminate groundwater. Use natural alternatives when possible, and follow instructions carefully to avoid overuse.
- Recycle Yard Waste. Compost clippings and leaves instead of bagging them. Healthy soil enriched with compost holds water better and reduces the need for added fertilizers.
By making these simple landscaping changes, you can create a beautiful outdoor space and help protect the water supply that sustains our homes, communities, and future.
A beautiful yard can also help safeguard our most important resource: clean, reliable groundwater.
