When considering the importance of environmental protection in the production of functional turf, careful planning in anticipation of restricted water use and drought is extremely important. Management strategies that not only conserve water but also yield a more drought tolerant turf take time and continued effort to implement. University of Massachusetts has put together an Irrigation and Water Conservation Series where Dr. Scott Ebdon explains the fine points of estimating turf irrigation needs using meteorological data as determined by many years of collaborative research. In addition, Dr. Ebdon details best management and water conserving irrigation practices that produce a more drought hardy and higher quality turf.