
Conservation
Even though approximately 71 percent of the Earth is covered by water, only about 2 percent of that is drinkable. As the population grows, the world’s water resources are being shared by a greater number of people, used to grow even more crops, and required to power expanding cities and neighborhoods.
The reality is that almost everything we do in our day-to-day lives requires water, either directly or indirectly. The human body can’t function without it. Gardens can’t grow without it. Manufacturers can’t produce without it.
Water quantity and quality is a global issue, but there are few regions in the United States of America that feel the impact of water scarcity like Central Texas. We are calling on all Central Texas residents to learn how to better manage our most precious resource.
We must learn how to conserve and make better water management choices.
Here are just a few ideas for how you can help conserve water:
Only use the dishwasher and washing machine with a full load
Before washing dishes, scrape them clean instead of rinsing them
Turn off the faucet when brushing teeth, shaving and washing dishes
Take quick showers instead of baths
Install low-flow showerheads
Install a toilet tank displacement device for reducing water when flushing
Invest in energy-saving appliances
Collect rainwater for watering
Install aerators to reduce water usage in faucets
Plant native flora and drought-resistant landscaping – all homeowners have the right to install a water-efficient landscape
Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants to reduce evaporation.
Adjust sprinklers so that only your lawn is being watered – realign heads that are spraying too high in the air, onto pavement or structures, or into tall grass or shrubs
Make sure sprinkler heads haven’t been broken or knocked out of alignment
Use drip irrigation for bedded plants, shrubs, and trees to apply water directly to the roots where it’s needed
Water your lawn during the early morning hours when temperatures and wind speed are the lowest to reduce evaporation and waste
Reduce personal electrical use to directly reduce water loss
If you wash your car or boat at home, turn off the hose in between rinses or use a sprayer that will shut off until used.
Ask your city council and homeowners association to adopt water conservation programs.
Links for more information on water conservation:
- Water IQ: Know Your Water, Texas Water Development Board
- Take Care of Texas – Water Conservation
- Water Saving Tips, Texas Water Development Board
- Water Conservation Publications
- Texas Water Development Board – Water Conservation
- Texas Water Development Board – Water Conservation Brochures
- Water Conservation Works
- Austin Water Conservation
- Save Texas Water
- Texas Water Resources Institute
- Clean Water Org conserving water at home.
- Water Footprint Calculator
- A Watering Guide for Texas Landscape