For most Canadians, summer means watering lawns, washing cars and filling swimming pools. As a result, during the hot summer months, water use in most Canadian cities can double - placing stress on municipal water systems, increasing the chances of municipal restrictions on water usage and increasing the cost for both taxpayers and water users.

This summer, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has a variety of tips you can use to help your lawn and garden cope with dry conditions, while minimizing water use:

- Before watering, always take into account the amount of water Mother Nature has supplied the week before. Leave a measuring container in the yard to help monitor rainfall (making sure to empty it once a week) and bear in mind any watering restrictions that may apply in your city.

- Lawns do not normally need more than about 2.5 cm of water once a week. If you've received this amount or more in rainfall for the week, you can skip a week of watering. To measure the right amount, for example, place an empty tuna can on your lawn while watering evenly. Then time how long it takes to fill the can so you'll know how long to run your sprinkler for. If you set your timer for this amount of time, the water will shut off automatically.

- If you use a sprinkler or hose, position it to avoid watering hard surfaces such as driveways and patios. Otherwise, you could be sending water - and money - down the drain!

- To reduce evaporation, water in the morning before 9:00 am, and on less windy days.

- Water slowly and thoroughly to avoid run-off and ensure the soil absorbs the water. Thorough deep waterings are preferable to superficial, frequent ones.

- Regularly check your hose or irrigation equipment for leaks or blockages.

- Collect rainwater from your roof and down spouts in a rain barrel or other container, and keep it covered with an insect screen.

- Don't cut your lawn any shorter than six to eight centimetres, so that the roots are shaded and better able to hold water. Also avoid mowing when the lawn is dry or dormant.

- Apply a layer of mulch around garden plants, shrubs and trees to retain moisture, moderate soil temperature, control erosion and suppress weeds.

- Select plant species that are well suited to the soil, sunlight and moisture conditions on your property. For dry, sunny spots, select drought tolerant, sun-loving plants. Drought tolerant lawn species include fescues and white clover.

- Finally, choose an efficient irrigation system. Place a soaker hose on the ground at the base of trees, shrubs, perennials, flower beds and vegetable gardens, or use a drip or trickle irrigation system. They apply water directly to the soil rather than to the leaves, while significantly reducing evaporation. Also, use a timer to automatically set the required watering time, which will help you avoid overwatering.

For more information or a free copy of the "About Your House" fact sheet Water Saving Tips for Your Lawn and Garden or other fact sheets on owning, maintaining or renovating your home, visit our Web site at www.cmhc.ca, or call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642. For over 60 years, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has been Canada's national housing agency, and a source of objective, reliable housing expertise.