Water Saving Tips

How to Conserve Water Indoors

  • If you don't already have an ultra-flow flush toilet (1.6 gallons per flush), then train yours to use less by installing a toilet dam or plastic jug
  • Install a low-flow showerhead (one that dispenses less than three gallons per minute)
  • Reduce the level of water in your bath- instead of ten inches of water, use only three
  • Repair toilets that run continuously
  • Repair faucets that have any leaks
  • Take shorter showers or turn down the water pressure in the faucet
  • Only wash full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher
  • Rinse your dishes in a pan, not under running water

How to Conserve Water Outdoors

  • Water only in the morning or late evening when evaporation rates are their lowest
  • Use sprinklers that throw big drops of water close to the ground
  • Adjust automatic sprinklers to turn off when it rains, and set them back when summer heat ends
  • Water only when your grass begins to show signs of stress - when it begins to wilt or discolor, or when footprints are visible after you have walked on it
  • Use a broom to clean your driveway - not a hose, and don't water the pavement
  • Fill swimming pools at lower levels to avoid water loss
  • When installing new landscaping, consider newer species such as Buffalo Grass - that require less water than St. Augustine and Bermuda
  • Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Dallas The Center serves all of urban Texas, and the Dallas-Arlington-Fort Worth metropolitan area in particular. One of the focuses of the Center research and Extension education is sustainable stewardship of natural resources. Their website will provide valuable information on landscaping and yard care during a drought or water restrictions.