Some Paspalum vaginatum varieties are thought to use less water than bermudagrass. A lysimeter evaluation was made to determine the relative water use of three grasses- Paspalum vaginatum, hybrid bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L. x C. transvaalensis), and tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceae). A separate field study determined visual quality after irrigation was suspended for P. vaginatum and F. arundinaceae. Thirteen dry-down runs were performed from April through November 2004. In the periods of high ETo P. vaginatum and bermudagrass were similar in water use rate. Both bermudagrass and P. vaginatum used significantly less water than tall fescue. P. vaginatum maintained only slightly better quality than F. arundinaceae as soil water became more limiting.