Conservation Tips

Water is our most precious natural resource - every drop counts. Texans can be water-wise by making simple changes.

The "Clean Texas 2000" program reveals these top 9 ways for conserving at home:

• Restrict lawn watering to only once every five days before 10 am or after 6 pm.
• Install low-flow showerheads. They use 30 to 70% less and are still adequate.
• Placing a half-gallon plastic jug of water in a tank safely conserves toilet water.
• Kitchen and bathroom faucets fitted with a low-flow aerator will get the job done with half the water.
• Showers limited to 5 minutes or fewer works just as well. Fill the tub only half full when bathing, and don't let the water run while brushing your teeth or shaving.
• Use a cut-off nozzle while washing the car instead of the water running continuously.
• The kitchen accounts for about 8% of water use. Rinse dishes in a basin and soak them before scrubbing. Minimize garbage disposal use and run the dishwasher only when full.
• Repair all leaks ASAP. Check toilet leaks by adding a few drops of coloring in the tank.
• Avoid running water until it is hot. Insulate water heater and hot water pipes.