The most efficient way to water your plants is with drip or low-flow irrigation. Compared to more conventional methods, drip or low-flow uses much less water because smaller amounts are lost to evaporation and wind drift. The water is also placed closer to your plants and not on weeds or walkways. In times of water restrictions it may be one of the few types of irrigation that can be used. You can mix and match components, picking emitters based on each type of plant and its need for water.