Fertilization stimulates growth and increases water needs. If you do fertilize, use a slow-release product. Water-insoluble products won't be washed away like liquid or fast-release fertilizers, which can contaminate waterways through stormwater or irrigation runoff. The slow-release products stay in the soil to supply nutrients to plants on a gradual basis, over a longer period of time.

This reduces the lawn's need for both water and fertilizer. However, remove thick patches of clippings, which will decay and kill the grass.

That is, raise the height of your lawnmower blades to the highest setting. When you mow the grass, remove no more than one-third of the leaf blade. Cutting grass shorter than this may stress the grass and may also decrease the depth to which roots will grow, increasing the need for water. Most St. Augustine grass and bahia grass varieties should not be mowed below 3 inches in height.

When your lawnmower blades are sharp, they give a clean cut. Grass torn and shredded by dull blades suffers stress and requires more water.

Grass can be a useful plant. Use grass in areas where children or pets play, or for erosion control. In low-use areas, consider drought-tolerant-plant beds, groundcovers, mulch, walkways or other alternatives that require little or no water.