How to Conserve

Drip irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots, making it up to 90% more efficient than traditional sprinklers. While it requires an initial investment, the water savings pay for themselves quickly.

Advantages of Drip Irrigation:

• 90% water efficiency (vs 65-75% for sprinklers)
• Reduces weed growth by not watering between plants
• Minimizes plant disease by keeping foliage dry
• Works with irregular shaped beds
• Can be automated with timers
• Exempted from most watering restrictions

Drip irrigation is perfect for vegetable gardens, flower beds, foundation plantings, and even container gardens. Many kits are available for DIY installation.

Traditional grass lawns can use up to 50% of household water during summer months. Consider these attractive alternatives that drastically reduce water needs:

Ground Covers:

• Buffalo grass - Native grass that needs 75% less water
• Frogfruit - Native ground cover that stays under 3 inches, flowers attract butterflies
• Sedge - Grass-like plants that tolerate light foot traffic and need little water

Hardscaping Options:

• Decomposed granite patios
• Flagstone pathways
• Gravel mulch with strategic plantings
• Permeable pavers

You don't have to eliminate all grass - consider reducing lawn areas by 25-50% and replacing with water-wise alternatives.

Whether you wash dishes by hand or use a dishwasher, there are ways to conserve water in the kitchen.

Dishwasher Tips:

• Only run when completely full
• Skip the pre-rinse - modern dishwashers don't need it
• Use the eco or energy-saving cycle
• A full dishwasher uses less water than hand washing

Hand Washing Tips:

• Fill one sink with soapy water, one with rinse water
• Don't let the water run continuously
• Scrape dishes instead of rinsing them first
• Save the rinse water for outdoor plants

Xeriscaping doesn't mean a boring, rock-filled yard. It means thoughtful landscaping that works with our climate rather than against it. A well-designed xeriscape can be just as beautiful as traditional landscaping while using 50-75% less water.

Seven Principles of Xeriscaping:

1. Planning and design
2. Soil improvement with compost
3. Efficient irrigation
4. Appropriate plant selection
5. Mulching (3-4 inches)
6. Reducing turf areas
7. Proper maintenance

Rain barrels are an excellent way to collect free water for your garden and landscape. A single inch of rain on a 1,000 square foot roof can yield over 600 gallons of water!

Benefits of Rain Barrels:

• Reduce water bills
• Decrease stormwater runoff
• Provide chemical-free water for plants
• Easy to install at downspouts

Many local municipalities offer rain barrel workshops and even rebate programs. Check with your city to see what programs are available in the Brazos Valley.

Did you know that mowing height affects how much water your lawn needs? Taller grass develops deeper roots, shades the soil, and reduces evaporation.

Optimal Mowing Heights for Brazos Valley:

• Bermuda grass - 1.5 to 2 inches
• St. Augustine - 3 to 4 inches
• Buffalo grass - 2 to 3 inches

Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing. Leave grass clippings on the lawn to return moisture and nutrients to the soil.

Mulch is one of the most cost-effective water conservation strategies for your landscape. A 3-4 inch layer of organic mulch can reduce evaporation by up to 70% while providing numerous other benefits.

Mulching Benefits:

• Reduces water evaporation from soil
• Moderates soil temperature
• Suppresses weed growth
• Adds organic matter as it decomposes
• Prevents soil erosion
• Makes your beds look neat and finished

Best Mulches for Brazos Valley: Native hardwood mulch, cedar mulch, and pine bark are all excellent choices. Avoid dyed mulches and keep mulch 2-3 inches away from plant stems to prevent rot.

Outdoor water use gets a lot of attention, but indoor conservation is equally important. Here are simple changes that can save thousands of gallons annually:

• Fix leaky faucets - A drip per second wastes 3,000 gallons per year
• Install low-flow showerheads - Save 2,900 gallons per year per person
• Run full loads - Only run dishwashers and washing machines when full
• Turn off the tap - Don't let water run while brushing teeth or washing dishes
• Collect cold water - While waiting for hot water, collect cold water for plants