North Texas Real Estate Talk

EXAMPLE OF WATER WASTE

• Landscape watering with an irrigation system or sprinkler between the hours of 10am – 6pm.
• Failure to repair a leak or broken/misdirected sprinkler head.
• Watering of an impervious surface, like a driveway or sidewalk.
• Allowing water to run off into a street, gutter, ditch, alley or storm drain.
• Water during or shortly after a rain.
• Overwatering or watering more than twice a week.
• Not following other drought guidelines by your water supplier.

WHAT CAN I DO?

• Check your sprinklers often for directional aim and broken heads, and redirect, repair or replace them as necessary.
• Use sprinklers that spray large drops of water close to the ground rather than a fine mist over the top.
• Install an automatic sensor that shuts off your sprinkler system whenever it freezes, rains or is unusually windy.
• Operate your sprinkler system manually, for more control over when and how much you water.
• Use a drip irrigation system or soaker hoses rather than sprinklers to water trees, shrubs and garden beds.
• Plant water-wise plants native to North Texas (for ideas, check the lists of recommended native plants from the Native Plant Society of Texas – North Central Chapter or the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center’s Native Plant Information Network.
• Raising the lawnmower blade and cutting grass to a height of 3 inches shades the soil, which reduces evaporation and allows roots to grow deeper.
• Leaky indoor faucets tend to get your attention, but don’t forget to check outside spigots, pipes and hoses for leaks, and repair or replace as needed.
• Install low-flow toilets and showerheads throughout your house (if your current shower can fill a one-gallon bucket within 20 seconds, then it should be replaced).
• Wash dishes in the dishwasher rather than by hand. Don’t waste water pre-rinsing dishes, and run the dishwasher only with a full load.
• Invest in an energy-efficient clothes washer, adjust the water level to your load size, and run the washer only with a full load.
• Turn off the water while you shave, and rinse your razor in a plugged sink rather than under a running faucet.
• Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth, or washing your face or hands.

Water is a finite resource, but there are infinite ways to save. Do your part by making smart water choices part of your daily routine. Every day is a chance to save — waste water, waste money.

Source: WaterIQ

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