How You Can Help
Every person should have the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate Texas’ water resources. Let’s be sure that the water systems and aquatic habitats remain rich, viable and productive for the sake of today’s and future generations. Please enjoy Texas’ water resources responsibly: be safe, obey the law and use our water resources wisely.
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Household Conservation
- Rainwater Harvesting
- Xeriscaping
- Future Considerations
Volunteer Opportunities
- Texas Watch - Water Quality Monitoring, Environmental Education and Community Action
- Visit www.texaswatch.geo.swt.edu or contact the Texas Watch volunteer coordinator, Jason Pinchback Phone: 512.245.9148.
Household Conservation
Things you can do around the house to conserve water:
- Install low-flush toilets and showerheads.
- Use less water in your bath.
- Take a shower instead of filling the tub and taking a bath.
- Turn off water when brushing your teeth or shaving.
- Keep a jug of water in the refrigerator so you don’t run the tap until water turns cool. Insulate pipes and water heater to avoid running the tap until water turns hot.
- Wash full loads of clothes and dishes.
- Rinse dishes in a pan not under running water.
- Check all water line connections and faucets for slow leaks.
- A slow leak drip can waste as much as 170 gallons of water each day or 5,000 gallones per months and wil add to the water bill.
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting ranges from a barrel in the front yard to a contractor-designated system through which rainwater is caught from the rooftop and siphoned by pipes or gutters into a storage tank.
The quality of rainwater almost always exceeds that of groundwater or surface water, as long as the roof or catchment area is clean and free of contaminants.
Xeriscaping
Xeriscaping, saving water and energy through creative landscaping, offers many benefits, including low maintenance and resistance to pests and drought.
Here are some tips:
- Water established trees and shrubs once a month or less.
- Use mulches in flower beds to prevent water loss.
- Mow grass with blades elevated to establish deeper roots for better water use.
- Pick native Texas plants that don’t require much water.
- Water grass only when it shows signs of wilting.
- Water after dark to avoid evaporation.
Future Considerations
Municipalities are considering water conservation measures such as:
- Community watering restrictions
- Xeriscape and native plant landscaping
- Water leak detection programs (estimates are that 30 to 50% of water could be lost in minor leaks)
- Increasing the cost of water to more closely reflect the true cost of providing and treating water
- Transferring water from one river basin to another river basin area to meet water demands
- Recycling water within a water treatment facility
- Restoration of wetlands
- Incentive programs for businesses and individuals who install lower water-use appliances and use "green building" practices
- Active water conservation education programs in schools and in the community
