Question
Thank you very much for the information. The first part was very helpful. However, my location is in Upper Michigan next to Lake Superior where heat and water are rarely problematic. Also, this lawn is for a university and possible commercial buildings. With those extra facts, would alternative mowing be mowing in different patterns or is there more to it? Thank you again.
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

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I came across the term "alternative mowing" in a reference guide while reading about water efficient landscaping. The guide does not define the term and I have tried googling it. Could you help me please? Thank you.
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Hi Elle;
I am not sure if this is what they mean but, some people think you need to mow in a different pattern each time to avoid the soil becoming compacted where the wheels hit the ground.
I could see the possibility if you are using a heavy tractor mower, but if you are using a regular walk behind or push mower, I can't see that is a problem.
Some say to mow grass very short, and mowing one area at a time and letting the other grow would conserve water.
I don't subscribe to low mowing.
The taller blades ( 3 inches) helps shade the soil in hot climates, and helps protect against the heat some.
I have heard several say you should mow Burmuda only 1-1/2 inches to 2 inches high.
Surprise surprise, they own landscaping companies.
Mowing at that height would keep them mowing twice a week, and boost their income considerably.
They mow gold courses lower, but nobody is hitting golf balls in my yard, so I mow mine at 3 inches high, and mow once a week. I also water deeply, to at least 6 inches, and only water once a week in our hot North Texas climate, except when we have situations like we had this summer, over 30 days above 100. I did have to water about every 4 or 5 days. It just dried out the soil too fast.
Usually, when the top 2 or 3 inches of soil are dry, there is still moisture enough down where the roots are. Deep watering encourages the grass to put roots deep, and a deep root system gives some protection against heat cold, and drought damage, and prevents thatch. In the long run, this takes less water.
I turn on the soaker hoses and when they water starts to run off, I turn it off, and wait for it to soak in, about an  hour or so, then turn it on again, and keep doing this till it is soaked 6 inches down.
Soaker hoses also conserve water as water that sprays in the air from sprinklers evaporates and in very hot weather, you can lose as much as 50% to evaporation.
Charlotte

Answer
Hi Elle;
Well, I searched the web and couldn't find anything on it.
Hmm. I have no idea what they mean.
If you can cntact the writer of the article you read, that might get the answer for you.
I don't see how any type of mowing, could help with water consumption.
Charlotte