There are better ways to save water besides letting the lawn go brown. While landscape irrigation accounts for 30% to 60% of residential water use, about half of that is wasted, according to the EPA. Longtime garden editor Kathy Brenzel’s drought tips will keep your garden lush and your water bill small. Prevent unnecessary water waste by limiting sprinkler run times, reducing evaporation with mulch, and installing a smart controller. Use rainwater and any clean water you can capture in your home, like the cold water before a shower or water you washed veggies in, to your advantage.