As summer temperatures climb across the Greater Houston area, many homeowners are turning up their sprinkler systems to keep lawns green. But according to the West Harris County Regional Water Authority, the regional water authority serving Sheffield, and its Irry Gator initiative, one of the easiest ways to know whether a yard actually needs water takes only a few seconds.

The quick test is simple: step on the grass. If it springs back when the foot is lifted, it is probably fine. If it stays flat, the edges curl or the blades feel dry to the touch, the lawn may be thirsty.

That small check matters. WHCRWA notes that 80% of the water used at home can go toward irrigation, and up to 65% of that water may be wasted through overwatering, runoff, evaporation or inefficient sprinkler systems. During the summer, more than half of drinking water can be used on lawns and landscapes, making smarter irrigation one of the easiest ways for local families to conserve water and control high water bills.

Why More Water Is Not Always Better

Many homeowners water every day or every other day in hopes of protecting their lawns, but frequent shallow watering can actually weaken grass. When soil stays saturated, roots remain close to the surface and may struggle during long, hot stretches.

WHCRWA encourages deep, less frequent watering instead. Proper watering means wetting the soil to a depth of about six inches and then waiting as long as possible between watering cycles. This helps roots grow deeper, making grass more drought-tolerant and better prepared for Texas summer conditions.

As a general rule, lawns need about one inch of water per week, though the exact amount depends on soil type, plant needs, sprinkler coverage, temperature and rainfall.

Try the Tuna Can Test

For homeowners wondering how long to run their sprinkler system, WHCRWA recommends the Tuna Tin Test.

Place at least three empty, one-inch-deep tuna cans across the sprinkler zone. Run the system for the amount of time that seems right, then check the cans. Each should contain roughly the same amount of water, with the goal of reaching about one inch.

If the cans contain less than one inch, the area may need a little more watering time. If the cans show uneven levels, the sprinkler system may need adjustment. A soil probe from a hardware or garden store can also help show how deeply water is reaching the roots.

Easy Irrigation Tips for Lawns

WHCRWA and the Irry Gator initiative recommend several simple steps that can make a noticeable difference for Sheffield homeowners:

Install and use a rain sensor so sprinklers do not run during rain or when recent rainfall has already done the job.

Use the “cycle and soak” method by running sprinklers in shorter cycles with time in between. For example, watering for 15 minutes, waiting about an hour and then watering again allows moisture to soak into the soil instead of running into the street.

Water early, and set automatic irrigation systems to complete before 4 a.m. to reduce evaporation and avoid peak household water demand. Watering during the heat of the day can waste a large amount of water through evaporation.

Consider drip irrigation in flower beds and landscaped areas. Drip systems deliver water directly to the roots and can be more efficient than traditional sprinklers.

Use mulch in beds and landscaped areas to hold moisture, keep topsoil cooler and protect roots from drying out.

Mow only when needed and keep grass taller during warm weather. Longer grass shades the soil, reduces evaporation and helps the yard retain moisture. Leaving clippings on the lawn can also add organic matter and supply some of the lawn’s fertilizer needs.

How Irry Gator Is Spreading the Message

Irry Gator began in 2020 as a mascot promoting Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s Water My Yard program under the sponsorship of the West Harris County Regional Water Authority. The Save Water Texas Coalition later expanded the initiative into a broader water conservation campaign featuring Irry Gator, JayB Blue and Wesley the Water Wasting Weasel.

The campaign’s message, “Water Less Save More,” appears through public education efforts such as billboards, social media, municipal utility district billing inserts, yard signs and a dedicated website. The goal is to make water conservation easier to understand and more practical for families managing lawns during the summer.

Water My Yard Offers Weekly Watering Advice

For residents who want more specific guidance, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service offers the Water My Yard program in sponsored areas of Texas.

The free program allows users to create a profile and receive weekly customized yard and grass watering recommendations that explain how long to run irrigation systems. The program uses local weather data, rainfall information and reference evapotranspiration, known as ETo, to help determine how much water a lawn actually needs.

Water My Yard can send automated email or text recommendations based on local conditions. Because the tool cannot predict future rainfall, residents are still encouraged to use common sense and let nature do the watering when rain is in the forecast.

Residents can check whether their address is in a Water My Yard service area by entering a full address, city or ZIP code at watermyyard.org.

The Takeaway for Local Homeowners

WHCRWA’s advice is simple: only water your lawn when it actually needs it.

For Sheffield residents, that may mean stepping on the grass before turning on the sprinklers, adjusting a timer that has not been changed in years, trying the tuna can test or signing up for Water My Yard. Small changes across a neighborhood can help reduce waste, lower high-water bills and support long-term water conservation across the region.

As summer continues, My Neighborhood News will keep sharing helpful local updates and practical resources for Sheffield homeowners and families.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.