Summer presents a unique opportunity for fun outdoors with your family, hanging out in your own backyard, enjoying leisure time together.
You also take pride in your lawn and garden, which looks its best during the summer months.
However, if you are conscious of conserving water, the extra water consumption that outdoor play and lawn and garden maintenance can present a bit of a dilemma.
The good news is that you play, mind your garden and keep your water usage under control if you take a few steps. Here is what you need to know.
Water Conservation
If you know that you’ll need to use more water this summer, make an extra effort to cut back on your water usage in other areas of your home so that you can use that additional water with a clear conscience. 
Turn off the tap when washing your hands or brushing your teeth. Only run the dishwasher and washing machine for full loads, don’t leave the tap running in the kitchen to rinse dishes.
Use a washbasin to wash produce rather than running the tap; fill a pitcher with water and cool it in the fridge to avoid wasting water; use only one water glass a day, reducing the need for dishwashing.
Outdoor Water Activities
Now that you’ve cut back on your water consumption, you can let loose in your yard with your family having fun and keeping cool. You can make a crazy sprinkler by placing a pool noodle with strategic holes over your sprinkler.
Make a homemade waterslide with a tarp, warm water and a little bit of dish soap. Fill up water guns and spray each other, or set up a target practice. Have a water balloon war or relay race.
Fill up a kiddy pool and the whole family can splash around (or at least enough of your “parts” to cool down). You can also use the pool as a “fishing hole” with prizes and homemade fishing poles. When you are done with the pool, empty it onto an area that needs watering, doing double duty.
Smarter Ways to Use Your Sprinklers and Hoses
Invest in an adjustable sprinkler, to make sure that it is aimed in the right direction. 
Don’t water your roof, sidewalk or driveway. When cleaning your gutters, don’t use a hose; knock debris out with a broom instead.
Inspect hose bibs on your home’s exterior for leaks and fix as needed. Make sure hoses aren’t cracked so that you’re not wasting water.