Other than standing with hose in hand, directing the flow at the ground around each plant, drip irrigation systems are the most effective in achieving this goal. Directed watering also conserves water. If you can install this kind of system, you're ahead of the game. If you can't, then try to water in the early morning hours, when evaporation is lowest. When droughts hit, often domestic water supplies are limited.
Wells run low or municipalities impose water restrictions.
When this happens, gardeners start turning their minds to other water sources such as graywater. Graywater isn't potable, but it also isn't sewage. It comes from the bath, shower, washing machine and bathroom sink. If the washing machine is a source, selection of washing detergents has to be carefully considered. While pure soaps don't hurt most plants, harsh detergents can.