Water Conservation

Water Conservation...It's Your Business!

Residential water conservation means saving for the future!

Growing populations, rising demands, warm temperatures, and low rainfall can challenge the availability of water, especially during the summer. A few small changes in your water use habits can make a huge difference in water savings. Practicing these tips could save up to 25,000 gallons per year for a family of four!

Start Water Conservation Indoors

  • Installing a low-flow shower head is the single most effective conservation step that can be taken inside the home.
  • Take a shower instead of a bath.
  • Never use the toilet to dispose of trash.
  • Don't allow the water to run while brushing your teeth or shaving.
  • Only run the dishwasher with a full load
  • Keep a container of drinking water in the refrigerator. Running water from the tap until it is cool is wasteful.
  • Install an aerator on your kitchen faucet to use less water, without feeling an impact.

Also Conserve Outdoors

In the summer, outdoor water use can account for 50% or more of total water use:

  • One-half inch of water per week in the summer will keep most Texas grasses healthy. Although there may be some loss of green color, the root system is often alive and healthy. To determine how long you should run your sprinklers, place straight-edged cans at different distances away from the sprinkler and time how long it takes to fill an average of one-half to one inch of water in each can. Then, only water for the among of time it takes to reach the desired level.
  • Water during the early morning or evening hours, since evaporation losses will be up to 60% higher during the day. Do not water on windy days.
  • Set sprinklers so the lawn is watered, not sidewalks and driveways.
  • Harvest the rain. Buy a rain barrel or cistern and collect the water from your gutters to water your plants.

Commercial Water Conservation Counts!

  • Washing driveways, sidewalks, parking areas or other impervious areas on a commercial property is prohibited, unless it is required to eliminate a public health hazard.
  • Commercial dining facilities must utilize shut-offs for handheld dish rinsing wands.
  • Commercial dining facilities must utilize water flow restrictors for all garbage disposals.
  • Commercial dining facilities shall not operate a misting system in unoccupied areas.
  • Ice machines shall not be single pass water-cooled.
  • Commercial car wash facilities shall recycle rinse water.
  • Homebuilders and developers shall offer xeriscape and rainwater harvesting options to prospective home buyers.
  • Golf courses shall not water greens, tees and roughs with potable water.