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
Saving Water – City of Austin
Water Conservation – City of Buda
Current Drought Stage and Water Restrictions – City of Kyle
Water and Energy Conservation – City of San Marcos
WaterSense Program – EPA
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Water Conservation
Water Conservation Brochures – Texas Water Development Board
