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Water Conservation

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Please check out the links below and learn how to save money while also conserving precious resources:

 Wise Guys

Energy Conservation

Water Conservation

Outdoor Water Conservation

  • In the summer, outdoor water use can account for 50-80% of home use water.
  • Much of the water used outdoors is wasted through inefficient landscape watering practices.
  • One inch of water once a week should be sufficient for most lawns
  • Over-watering turf will encourage a short root system that is not drought tolerant.
  • Water in early morning or late evening during hot summer months.
  • Harvest rain water into a barrel for future watering.
  • Taller grass holds moisture better and encourages deeper roots.
  • Do not cut grass more than 1/3 of its length at one time.
  • Use 1-3 inches of mulch around landscaping.
  • Apply fertilizer in the spring and fall. Do not use too much fertilizer to avoid run off and pollution.
  • Add organic matter to improve landscape soil for water retention.
  • Turn off decorative fountains on windy days and during droughts.
  • Plant water efficient, well-adapted, drought tolerant native shrubs and trees.
  • Use drought tolerant groundcover instead of grass in narrow, sloping area or close to pavement.
  • Drip irrigation is the most efficient method of landscape watering.
  • Use a sprinkler that produces large drops close to the ground. If you can, use a timer to turn off sprinklers.
  • Adjust automatic sprinkler settings often, don't set in the spring and leave it all season.
  • Install rain shut-off devices to prevent watering in the rain.
  • Reduce the run time of sprinklers on shrubs and shady areas.
  • Once a month, run sprinklers for a short time on each cycle while you are home to make sure they are working properly.
  • If you wash your car at home, use a bucket of soapy water and a hose nozzle that shuts off the water while you scrub.

Indoor Water Conservation

Per capita water use in Texas averages 164 gallon per person per day. Making a habit of conservation makes sense and protects the water resources of both current and future Texans.

  • Toilets are the single largest water users in the home. Leaky toilets can waste 200 gallons per day. It is estimated that nearly 20% of all toilets leak. High efficiency toilets use less than 1.3 gallons per flush.
  • A 5 minute shower users 1-25 gallons. A full bathtub requires up to 70 gallons of water.
  • Faucet sink aerators are a simple cost-effective way to save water.
  • Washing machines with high-efficiency rating use 35-55% less water and 50% less energy.
  • Dishwasher with a high-efficiency rating use 4.5-7% gallons per load.
  • Restaurants that serve water by request can only save a significant amount of water.
  • Don't wait to fix leaks.