5 Ways Synthetic Turf Saves Water: A Northwest Homeowner's Guide

5 Ways Synthetic Turf Saves Water: A Puget Sound Homeowner's Guide

Real water conservation solutions from your local Tacoma and Gig Harbor synthetic turf experts

According to the EPA, about 30 percent of household water is devoted to outdoor uses, with this percentage climbing much higher during summer months in regions like ours. For Puget Sound families facing dry summers and rising water costs, synthetic turf offers multiple pathways to significant conservation.

1. Complete Elimination of Irrigation Systems

Natural lawns require consistent watering to stay green, especially during our region's dry summer period from June through September. Grass typically needs at least one inch of water per week, which equals about 0.623 gallons per square foot. With synthetic turf there is no need to keep or add a sprinkler system. This means no more winterizing your system and the end of high summer watering bills, especially for those on city water. 

For a 1,000 square foot lawn over a 20 week growing season, this totals approximately 12,460 gallons annually. Quality synthetic turf eliminates this irrigation requirement entirely, maintaining its green appearance without any supplemental watering.

The only water synthetic turf requires is occasional rinsing for debris removal—typically under 200 gallons annually compared to over 12,000 gallons for natural grass irrigation.

2. Prevention of Water Waste from Inefficient Irrigation

The EPA reports that as much as 50 percent of outdoor water use is lost due to wind, evaporation, and runoff caused by inefficient irrigation methods. Common waste sources include overwatering, poor sprinkler timing, and uneven coverage patterns.

For an average irrigated lawn consuming 12,460 gallons annually, inefficient practices could waste an additional 6,000+ gallons through runoff and evaporation. Synthetic turf eliminates all irrigation-related waste since no watering system is needed.

3. Elimination of Heat Stress Emergency Watering

During heat waves and drought conditions, natural lawns often require emergency irrigation to prevent permanent damage. These crisis periods typically coincide with peak water rates and municipal restrictions, creating both environmental and financial stress.

Emergency watering can require double or triple normal irrigation rates for extended periods. Synthetic turf maintains consistent appearance during heat events without additional water, eliminating unpredictable consumption spikes when water is most scarce and expensive.

4. Reduced Yard Maintenance

Traditional lawn care involves water consumption beyond irrigation, including equipment cleaning, chemical use and emissions. Using a lawn care service can also increase monthly costs. While these amounts are relatively small compared to irrigation, they add to overall landscape water consumption.

Synthetic turf maintenance requires minimal water usage, primarily occasional surface rinsing and hosing the surface during extreme temperatures to help cool it off. There's no equipment to wash, no liquid treatments to prepare, and no damaged areas to reseed and establish with supplemental watering.

5. Better Stormwater Management

While synthetic turf eliminates water consumption, it also manages our region's abundant winter rainfall more effectively than natural grass. Modern installations include engineered drainage systems that allow rapid water infiltration while preventing the runoff and chemical contamination associated with heavily irrigated lawns.

Quality synthetic turf backing includes perforated drainage that handles heavy rainfall while the underlying base system promotes natural groundwater recharge. This means rainwater reaches groundwater supplies without carrying fertilizers or chemicals into storm drains.

Environmental and Financial Benefits of Synthetic Turf

Beyond water conservation, synthetic turf eliminates the chemical inputs required for natural lawn maintenance. Traditional lawns need fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides that eventually impact local water quality through runoff and groundwater infiltration.

The financial benefits are substantial. While synthetic turf requires a higher initial investment, the elimination of irrigation costs, chemical treatments, and equipment maintenance typically results in payback within four to six years. Quality installations last 15 to 20 years, providing ongoing savings throughout their lifespan.

Professional Installation for Maximum Water Conservation

Water conservation benefits depend on proper installation designed for Pacific Northwest conditions. Our process includes site evaluation, addressing drainage concerns, and material selection appropriate for both our dry summers and wet winters.

We use synthetic turf products manufactured in the USA with backing systems engineered for high rainfall climates. Proper base preparation ensures effective drainage performance while antimicrobial infill helps to prevent issues in shaded areas common throughout the Puget Sound region.

Smarter Landscaping with Artificial Grass

Synthetic turf works particularly well for high use areas like playgrounds, entertaining zones, and pet relief areas. These installations can integrate with native plants and rain gardens to create landscapes that are both beautiful year round and environmentally responsible.

As water conservation becomes increasingly important nation wide synthetic turf provides a solution that doesn't require sacrificing outdoor enjoyment. Families can maintain attractive landscapes while dramatically reducing water consumption and supporting community conservation efforts.

Ready to explore how synthetic turf can eliminate your landscape's water consumption? Contact our Tacoma and Gig Harbor team today for a consultation focused on your property's specific conditions and conservation goals.

Synthetic Turf of Puget Sound is a family-owned company specializing in high-quality artificial grass installation throughout the Tacoma and Gig Harbor areas. We help local families create beautiful, sustainable outdoor spaces designed for Pacific Northwest conditions.