Water Conservation Tips and Smart Resource Management
This week the heat index in Texas is hitting triple digits, which means water use will be at an all-time high. With scorching temperatures and more than 75 percent of the state battling drought, (National Integrated Drought Information System), water conservation has become a hot topic throughout communities statewide.
Every Texan has a crucial role to play in saving water and meeting future needs. So, let's explore some conservation tips and see how each of us can make a difference in preserving this precious resource throughout the summer and beyond.
1. Maximize water efficiency: Hydrate your landscape during the early morning or late evening when winds are calmer, and temperatures are lower. This minimizes water loss due to evaporation. Watering before nightfall allows leaves to dry and prevents the onset of diseases and decay. More resource tips can be found here.
2. Smart native landscaping: Design your landscape to be water-wise by incorporating water-efficient, well-adapted native shrubs, trees, and grasses. Native plants are particularly adept at conserving water, as they have adapted to the local climate over time. Seek guidance from local nurseries for customized landscaping advice or visit the Native Plant Society website.
3. Respect watering restrictions: Stay mindful of local watering restrictions imposed by communities across Texas during drought conditions. These guidelines are crucial for managing and preserving the water supply. By adhering to these restrictions, water usage is more controllable.
4. Optimize irrigation: Take control of your in-ground irrigation system by adjusting it manually based on rainfall and seasonal changes. Avoid relying on automatic settings. Remember that different plants have varying water requirements, so ensure water is distributed precisely where and when it's needed. For lawns, opt for sprinklers that produce larger water droplets closer to the ground.
5. Harvest rainwater: Explore the benefits of installing a rainwater harvesting system. This ancient practice, dating back to 4500 BC, has gained renewed interest due to environmental and economic concerns related to centralized water supply systems. Generally, approximately 1,000 gallons of water can be collected for every inch of rain on a 2,000-square-foot roof. Discover the advantages of rainwater harvesting. Learn more here.
6. Pool protection: Cover your pool or spa when not in use to prevent water evaporation. Uncovered pools can lose substantial amounts of water each year through evaporation; in fact, the Department of Energy suggests that evaporation is responsible for up to 70 percent of water loss in pools and spas.
Together, small changes can make a big impact on our water supply!