The common question is how much water is enough to keep the turf alive. Flower beds and groundcover plantings also need watering. Frequency and amounts will vary according to the species present and site conditions. For example, perennial beds with species more tolerant of dry soils, such as yarrow, purple coneflower, Liatris, or sedum can usually get by with minimum need for watering. Other species may need frequent irrigation to remain healthy.
Careful planning can make maintenance practices, such as watering, much easier.
Hopefully some timely rains will come in early August to help relieve drought stress on plants. In the meantime, evaluate your landscape plantings and put together some watering plans to assure plants make it through the dry weather.