Which factor would likely increase outdoor water use?

Utilizing turfgrass for groundcover is likely to increase outdoor water use because turfgrass typically requires significant amounts of water to maintain its lush and green appearance. Unlike native plants or xeriscaping, which are designed to minimize water consumption and thrive in local climates with less irrigation, traditional turfgrass often needs regular watering, particularly in dry seasons.

Choosing native plants and implementing xeriscaping are approaches that strategically reduce outdoor water demands by selecting landscape elements that are well-adapted to local conditions and which can survive with minimal supplemental watering. Similarly, installing a drip irrigation system can enhance water efficiency by delivering water directly to plant roots, thus minimizing evaporation and runoff. In contrast, the maintenance of turfgrass usually necessitates frequent irrigation, leading to higher outdoor water usage overall.