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Conserving Water Outdoors

Did you know that in the summer, outdoor water use can account for 50 to 80 percent of a household’s water usage? During the drought seasons it’s crucial that homeowners take extra precautions to conserve water and save money on their utilities.

Here are some ways to limit your outdoor water usage this summer:

  • Plant water-efficient, well-adapted, and/or native shrubs, trees, and grasses. Choose plants that are drought and heat tolerant and can survive the minimum winter temperatures in your area.
    • For a list of drought-resistant plants, please visit this blog post: 
  • Avoid overwatering your lawn by only watering when needed
    • Install rain shut-off devices and adjust sprinklers to eliminate coverage on pavement. For plants that need more water, use a hose or watering can to give them additional water.
    • Water lawns early in the morning. Never water on windy days. 
    • Use drip irrigation systems for bedded plants, trees, or shrubs and use low-angle sprinklers for lawns. Cover pools and spas. This can save the equivalent of your pool volume each year!
    • For more information on watering your lawn during the summer, please refer to this handout provided by the Texas Water Development Board: A Watering Guide for Texas Landscapes 

Buy a rain barrel or a cistern and collect the water from your gutters to water your plants.

  • Use a broom to clean patios and sidewalks instead of a hose. 
  • Don’t cut grass more than one-third of its length at one time because taller grass holds moisture better.
  • Don’t scalp lawns when mowing during hot weather. Leave lawn clippings on the lawn instead of bagging.
  • Use lots of mulch around your shrubs and trees. It will retain moisture, reduce run-off, moderate soil temperatures, and help with weed control.

Provided by the Texas Water Development Board.