Understand your system: Develop a schematic of all water entry points. Know where your faucets, time clocks, solenoids, booster pumps, sprinklers, bubblers, valves, pipes, etc. are located.
Make a checklist of system elements and check each one regularly for leaks! Finding and repairing leaks can lead to big savings, especially in irrigation systems!
Use turf only where actually necessary. Avoid turf except in picnic or active play areas.