Water Conservation Tips

The surface and groundwater resources of the Texas Hill Country are limited and under increasing pressure from population growth and recurring droughts. Whether or not we’re in a drought, every community member plays a vital role in protecting our water supply.

Below are tips and resources to help you reduce water use indoors and outdoors — saving both water and money.

Indoor Water Conservation Tips

  • Check toilets for leaks
    Add a few drops of food coloring to your toilet tank. If color appears in the bowl within 30 minutes, you have confirmation there is a “silent leak” that needs to be fixed. You can watch an instructional video by SAWS here. 

  • Install high-efficiency fixtures
    Look for WaterSense-labeled toilets, aerators, and showerheads. They use at least 20% less water without sacrificing performance.

  • Take shorter showers
    Showers use about 2.1 gallons per minute. Cutting just a few minutes can save hundreds of gallons each year.

  • Monitor your water bill
    Tracking your usage can help identify leaks, spikes in use, and how your conservation efforts are paying off.

  • Turn off the tap
    Don’t let water run while brushing teeth, shaving, or washing dishes.

  • Only run full loads
    Run your dishwasher and washing machine only when full to reduce both water and energy use.

Outdoor Water Conservation Tips

  • Embrace a “summer blond” lawn
    Let your lawn go dormant during the hot season. Skipping irrigation from May to September can save around 8,000 gallons per household.
 

  • Landscape with drought-tolerant plants
    Replace turf grass with native, low-water-use plants. EPA’s Water-Efficient Landscaping Guide is a great place to start.

  • Let rain do the work
    Install a WaterSense-labeled irrigation controller to prevent sprinklers from running during or after rain.

  • Sweep, don’t spray
    Use a broom to clean patios, sidewalks, and driveways instead of a hose.

  • Water early, not often
    Water landscapes in the early morning to minimize evaporation and give plants more time to absorb moisture.

  • Harvest the rain
    Take advantage of the region’s intense rainfalls by installing a rain barrel or full rainwater harvesting system to store water for drier times.

Additional Resources