Summer brings all kinds of fun activities, but it also means higher water bills for most households. With the increased watering of the lawn and increased water usage inside while children are out of school, conservation is more important than ever. According to the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD), its service area population will double over the next 50 years so it’s imperative to conserve as much as possible now. Conservation will help extend water supplies during droughts and will help us meet future demands.
Water is used for a variety of things both indoors and outdoors. We water our lawns, flush toilets, wash clothes, wash dishes, take showers and cook to name a few. These water-saving tips will help us conserve this important natural resource.
NTMWD research shows that the average Texas family uses approximately 141 gallons of household water per day. Luckily, there are many ways to conserve and use water wisely every day.
Save water outdoors:
- Water before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. to minimize evaporation during the summer months.
- Run sprinklers in short cycles to allow the grass to absorb water and reduce runoff. Learn to Cycle and Soak.
- If you use a sprinkler system, make sure you’re using it effectively and efficiently.
- Raise mower blade height during summer and avoid cutting more than 1/3 of the leaf blade at one time to conserve water.
- Check outside spigots, pipes and hoses for leaks, and repair or replace as needed.
- Plant native plants to reduce the amount of water required. Learn more about proper landscape practices from the Texas AgriLife Extension Service.
Download the Water Efficient Landscaping guide to learn more about saving water outdoors.
Save water indoors:
- Install low-flow toilets, showerheads and faucets throughout the house.
- Wash dishes in the dishwasher rather than by hand. Don’t waste water pre-rinsing dishes. Run the dishwasher only with a full load.
- Invest in an energy-efficient clothes washer, adjust the water level to your load size and run it only with a full load.
- Turn off the water while you shave and rinse your razor in a plugged sink rather than under a running faucet.
- Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth and washing your face or hands.
City of Garland programs:
The city of Garland Water Utilities Department is dedicated to the efficient use of water. The city’s conservation program consists of accurate meter reading, yearly outdoor irrigation schedules, educational classes, public information in a variety of formats and conservation credits (a credit on utility bill) for new toilets and clothes washing machines for residential water customers.
If you purchase a new toilet or clothes washing machine, complete the toilet credit application (PDF) or washing machine application (PDF). Follow the instructions on the application and once approved, you’ll receive a credit on your utility bill.
Visit GarlandWater.com for more tips on conservation as well as the conservation plan and watering schedule.
Information from city of Garland and NTMWD.