Which tool would a landscape architect use to measure outdoor water use?

The EPA WaterSense Water Budget Tool is specifically designed to help users calculate outdoor water use based on landscape characteristics, climatic conditions, and planned irrigation methods. This tool facilitates the development of a water-efficient landscape by providing a framework for assessing the appropriate amount of water that can be used while maintaining effective irrigation practices.

By using this tool, a landscape architect can analyze various parameters, such as plant types, soil conditions, and weather data, to create a customized water budget for a specific project. This is vital for ensuring that water usage aligns with conservation goals and promotes sustainable landscaping practices.

Other options, while related to water efficiency, serve different functions. For example, the LEED Water Calculator may assist with overall water usage calculations for LEED certification projects but is not specifically designed for outdoor landscapes. The Water Conservation Assessment Tool focuses more on general water conservation strategies rather than specific measurements of outdoor use. Lastly, the Landscape Irrigation Analysis Tool might be useful for assessing irrigation systems, but it is not primarily intended for budgeting water use, making the EPA WaterSense Water Budget Tool the most suitable choice for this context.