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Irrigation runoff not only wastes water, it can lead to pollutants like bacteria, fertilizer, and oil entering our lakes and rivers untreated. Regularly monitor your irrigation system to check for runoff and determine the cause so you prevent water waste and keep your lawn healthy. Adjust sprinkler heads so that they don't spray onto streets or sidewalks Easy tutorials online can help you adjust your sprinkler heads If necessary, move sprinkler heads 1-2 feet back from the sidewalk Replace spray nozzels with drip irrigation or soaker hose systems for narrow planting areas Drought tolerant plants might be the better option for a narrow location Keep sprinkler heads clear and prevent spray blockage Trim grass and shrubs away from sprinkler heads or install high risers where necessary Drip irrigation systems apply water directly to the base of plants, preventing blockage Prevent overwatering by running sprinklers only when necessary Use multiple, short-duration watering cycles to allow water to soak into soil between cycles Water less often and allow your lawn to completely dry between waterings Make sure your lawn is properly graded for optimal drainage Terracing and shallow watering basins can prevent run-off on sloped lawn areas Soil amendments and aeration can allow for better water absorption Preventing Irrigation Runoff