Outdoor and Indoor Water Conservation Tips


Whether you are a permitted well owner, a customer or employee using groundwater provided by your water supply company or employer, or an individual well owner, we all share responsibility for the aquifer on which we all depend. Below are suggestions for ways to conserve water in and around your home.

Outdoors:
  • Follow a five-day watering schedule based on the last number of your address. Click here for a printable copy. On your watering day use the local evapo-transpiration rate to apply the correct amount of water on your lawn. For more information on evapo-transpiration rates, click here. Over watering can lead to plant decline.

  • Remove or pare down your turf grass and instead install native or adapted plants. They are suited to the climate of your area, and Texas natives generally need less water to thrive.

  • If you water with a sprinkler system, make sure to audit your system regularly for leaks. In addition, install water-conserving devices like a rain shut-off device and/ or soil sensors.

  • Cover swimming pools to reduce evaporation when not in use.

  • Sweep sidewalks and driveways with a broom instead of using a hose. Use a spray nozzle on your hose to cut down on water waste.

Indoors:
  • Match your washing machine’s wash level to the size of the load you are doing. If you can’t adjust your machine’s wash level, try to wash only full loads. If possible, purchase a front-loading washing machine. They can use up to 60% less water than top-loading models.

  • Take showers instead of baths. Reduce showering time and install a low-flow showerhead with a water cutoff handle. While showering, you can flip the handle to temporarily stop water flow when not needed. When you need to rinse, flip the handle back into place and the water returns without any fluctuation in temperature.

  • Wash dishes in an energy-efficient dishwasher. According to the EPA, Dishwashers use on average about 9.3 gallons per load, whereas hand washing uses approximately 20 gallons per load.

  • Fix all leaking faucets, showerheads, and toilet tanks. Leaks (even slow, quiet ones) can waste up to 500 gallons a day.

  • Turn off the faucet whenever possible and collect and reuse water before it goes down the drain as wastewater. For instance, you could fill a basin with water for rinsing vegetables or washing dishes instead of letting the faucet run. When finished, use it to water outdoor plants.

  • Install low flow showerheads and faucet aerators. Replace older model toilets with a low flow model that uses 1.6 gallons (instead of 3.5 or more gallons) per flush. Check with your water supply company for rebate programs on low flow toilets, aerators, and other water saving devices.

For many more tips, visit the following websites from the District’s page of links.

Indoor Water Tips from the Water IQ Program

Outdoor Water Tips from the Water IQ Program

Water Use it Wisely

H2ouse

American Water Works Association: WaterWiser

WaterWise Council of Texas

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