Texas Hill Country surface and groundwater resources are limited, so it’s important for all community members to actively conserve water in and outside of drought. Below are a variety of tips and resources on how to reduce your utilization of water.
Indoor Water Conservation Tips
- Check toilets for leaks – An easy way to do so is to several drops of food coloring to the tank. If the toilet is leaking, color will appear in the toilet bowl within 30 minutes.
- Install high-efficiency fixtures – WaterSense labelled toilets, aerators on bathroom faucets, and shower heads are certified to use 20 percent less water.
- Take shorter showers. The average shower uses 2.1 gallons per minute.
- Review your water bill – Viewing it month-to-month can help you identify times of high use, possible leaks, and how your conservation habits are helping.
- Don’t let it run – Turn off water when brushing teeth, shaving, between washing dishes, etc.
- Run full loads – Running dishwashers and washing machines with full loads helps reduce your water and electricity consumption.
- Save excess water – When you do need to run water, don’t let it go down the drain. Collect it in a bowl and use it to water indoor and outdoor plants.
Outdoor Water Conservation Tips
- Embrace your summer blond – Let your lawn go from green to blonde. By not watering your grass from May to September each year, you could reduce your water consumption by around 8,000 gallons.
- Plant drought-tolerant/resistant plants – Replace your grass/turf with water-wise plants. View this guide from the EPA.
- Let the rain do the watering – With automatic sprinklers, it can be easy to let it run during rainy times. You can prevent overwatering by installing a WaterSense labeled irrigation controller.
- Sweep don’t spray – Use a broom to clean driveways, patios, and sidewalks instead of water from a hose.
- Don’t water when it’s hotter – Water your outdoor landscape earlier in the day when temperatures are cooler to prevent evaporation and to allow the water to soak into the soil more.
- Harvest the rain – The Texas Hill Country is known for dry spells and downpours. To capture rainwater for when you need it, consider installing a rain barrel.
Additional Resources
- Saving Water – City of Austin
- Water Conservation – City of Buda
- Current Drought Stage and Water Restrictions – City of Kyle
- Conservation and Drought – City of San Marcos
- Rainwater Harvesting: Conservation, Credits, Codes, and Cost Literature Review – Environmental Protection Agency
- WaterSense – Environmental Protection Agency
- WaterSmart Tips, Tools, and Resources – Lower Colorado River Authority
- Water Resources – Natural Resources Conservation Services
- Water Conservation – Texas A&M Agrilife Extension
- Water Conservation – Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
- Water Conservation Brochures – Texas Water Development Board
