I am in rural michigan (think well). I sometimes water my gardens, but never the lawn.
Last year, I did not water any of the gardens.
If the lawn dries out and turns brown, I do not have to mow:) Unfortunately, that did not happen last year.
I have tried alternatives (alfalfa, clover), but I prefer grass because it is better at surpressing the weeds & it is easier to walk on.
I spot kill some of the weeds in the lawn, but I do not fertilize. Also. I spot weed the garden beds.
Grass is good! I use it to separate my garden beds. I love grass, but not enough to water it.
