Water Conservation Tips
The dog days of summer are here! The recent triple digit temperatures has everyone scrambling to water their yard and plants, add water to their pool, refill the family pets water dish or break into their best rain dance. Although Texas has recovered from the severe drought experienced a few years ago, the recent high temperatures should remind everyone of the need to conserve our most precious resource – WATER.
Did you know that during the summer months 50% – 80% of our water consumption is used outside according to the Texas Water Development Board? And as much as half of that may be wasted? With the rising cost of water, it benefits all of us to make a more conscious effort to conserve water. So, as you scramble to stay cool this summer take a few minutes to think about how you can do your part to conserve. Here are a few simple tips that you can implement at your home:
- Water before 10am to save water and maintain plant health.
- Regularly maintain your irrigation system to make sure water is being properly applied, sprinkler heads are free from debris, water is flowing at the proper pressure and the system does not have any leaks.
- Ensure that irrigation heads are not watering sidewalks or driveways.
- Instead of washing your own car at home, use a commercial car wash that recycles water.
- When revamping your landscape beds consider using drought tolerant and native plants that require less water.
- Sweep driveways, sidewalks and patios, as opposed to hosing them off.
- Harvest rainwater for landscape use with a rain barrel, it is great for your plants and can save you money on your water bill. Make sure your rain barrel is installed in a location approved by your homeowner’s association. Rain barrels can be purchased at hardware stores or online. Or construct one yourself; check out the TakeCareofTexas.org guide to rain water harvesting and rain barrel construction at the link below:
http://takecareoftexas.org/sites/default/files/publications/gi-383_3_0.pdf.