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Why Should I Conserve Water?

According to the Texas State Water Plan, Texas’ existing sources will meet only 75 percent of the projected water demand by 2050. We must use our precious water resources more efficiently or we will have more frequent and more severe water shortages, especially during droughts and periods of peak demand (like hot Texas summers). Using water more efficiently will not only save money, but more importantly will help protect the quality of life of future generations. The cost of new or renovated water infrastructure, wastewater treatment and water supply is estimated to be $107 billion dollars in Texas over the next 50 years. Each of us together can save billions of tax dollars by making our households water smart. We must take on the responsibility of efficient water use now.

SAVE WATER, MONEY, ENERGY NOW!

TOP 5 ACTIONS

1. Stop Those Leaks!

Many silent leaks allow water and your money to go down the drain. To help detect unseen leaks shut off all the water using devices in your home and look at the water meter in your front yard. If the meter dial is still spinning and all your water in the house is off, there is a leak. Contact a plumber immediately to find and repair the leak. Studies have shown homes can waste more than 10% of their water usage due to leaking, which costs both you and the environment.

Another large water waster can be leaks in your irrigation system. Fix irrigation system leaks quickly and check for water in the gutters or mud puddles. Inspect your sprinklers and drip sprayers regularly for leaks during the daytime since the optimal time to water is in the nighttime hours when you cannot observe leaks. If you have an older irrigation system, over 50% and even more than 75% of the water can be lost to leaks.

2. Replace your old Toilet, the largest water user inside your home.

If your home was built before 1992 and the toilet has never been replaced, then it is very likely that you do not have a water efficient 1.6 gallon per flush toilet. You can check the date stamp inside the toilet by lifting the lid and looking at the back of the toilet at the manufacturer's imprint of the make, model and date of manufacture.

3. Replace your Clothes Washer, the second largest water user in your home.

Energy Star™ rated washers that also have a Water Factor at or lower than 9.5, use 35-50% less water and 50% less energy per load. This saves you money on both your water and energy bills. There is a current qualifying product listing of water efficient clothes washer models maintained by the Consortium for Energy Efficiency.

4. Plant the Right Plants with Proper Landscape Design & Irrigation

Whether you are putting in a new landscape or slowly changing the current landscaping at your home, select plants that are appropriate for your local climate conditions. Consult a local landscaper or irrigation specialist to learn ways to save water by planting drought resistant plants and the importance of a properly designed irrigation system.

5. Water Only What Your Plants Need

Most water is wasted in your garden by watering when you plants do not need the water or by not maintaining the irrigation system. Be attentive if you are manual watering by setting your oven timer or some other reminder to move the water promptly. Make sure your irrigation controller has a rain shutoff device and that it's appropriately scheduled. Most water is wasted in months prior to or just after the rainy season when intermittent rains occur. You can also consider installing a weather adjusting ET irrigation controller that automatically saves water by not watering when the plants don't need the water, check with your local irrigation specialist

Helpful Conservation Links