How to Conserve

Before the hot Texas summer arrives, inspect your irrigation system for leaks and inefficiencies. A single broken sprinkler head can waste 25,000 gallons of water per year!

Inspection Checklist:

1. Run each zone and look for broken or misaligned sprinkler heads
2. Check for soggy spots that might indicate underground leaks
3. Ensure sprinklers aren't watering sidewalks or driveways
4. Consider upgrading to smart irrigation controllers that adjust based on weather
5. Add rain sensors to prevent watering during rainfall

Your water meter is a valuable tool for monitoring water use and detecting leaks. Here's how to use it:

Leak Detection Test:

1. Turn off all water inside and outside your home
2. Check your water meter and write down the numbers
3. Wait 1 hour without using any water
4. Check the meter again

If the numbers changed, you have a leak! Even small leaks can waste significant water over time. Common culprits include toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and irrigation system leaks.

A leak from a toilet flapper can waste 200 gallons per day - that's over 6,000 gallons per month!

Native Texas plants are naturally adapted to our climate and require significantly less water than non-native species. Consider incorporating these drought-tolerant plants into your landscape:

• Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens) - Beautiful purple blooms after rain
• Blackfoot Daisy (Melampodium leucanthum) - Low-maintenance white flowers
• Buffalo Grass - Native lawn alternative that uses 75% less water
• Turk's Cap (Malvaviscus arboreus) - Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies

These plants not only conserve water but also support local wildlife and pollinators.

One of the easiest ways to conserve water is to adjust your watering schedule. Water your lawn early in the morning (before 10 AM) or in the evening (after 6 PM) to minimize evaporation. During peak summer months, you may need to water 2-3 times per week, but always check soil moisture first.

A simple screwdriver test can help: push a screwdriver into the soil. If it goes in easily to 6 inches, you don't need to water yet.