Water Saving Tips

Combing over a receding hairline takes patience and skill. Thankfully, using less water from our water source is far simpler. Here are some easy things you can do at home and work to make your water last:

Use 10 percent less water. Read your latest utility bill and note how many gallons you consumed. Simply multiply the number of gallons by .10—that’s your 10 percent goal. For example, 8,000 gallons X .10 = 800 gallons. That’s all you need to save for that month. You can easily save that much by fixing a leak or implementing some of these simple tips.
Slowly cut back on watering your lawn to about an inch and a half per week. This watering schedule allows the water to soak down to a depth of four to six inches, which lets grass root systems to grow deeply.
Water your lawn early in the morning or late in the evening. Mid-day watering results in fast evaporation and scorches your lawn and plants.
Know how to operate your in-ground sprinkler system controller. If you know it’s going to rain, turn it off for the day. Check sprinkler systems frequently for directional aim and broken heads to prevent watering driveways, sidewalks and streets.
An easy way to measure how much water you’re using is to place an empty
one-inch tuna can on your lawn, then turn on your sprinkler. Time how long
it takes to fill the can one and a half times, and that’s how long you
should water each week. Please be aware of and abide by any landscape
watering ordinances or restrictions that your community may have in effect.
Use plenty of mulch in your beds. Experts recommend 3 inches to prevent evaporation and keep soil moist.
Choose “water wise” plants like Texas sage, Winecups and Red Yucca. Ask your local nursery or landscape professional for advice.
Raise your lawnmower blade and cut grass to a height of 3 inches—this shades the soil, which reduces evaporation, and allows roots to grow deeper.
Check for leaks in taps, pipes and hoses. It’s an easy way to save water. One slow drip can waste 20 gallons of water daily (7,000 gallons per year).
Use soaker hoses instead of sprinklers to water trees, shrubs and beds more efficiently.

It may not seem like much, but every time you practice one of these easy tips, you’re not only using water more efficiently and wisely, you’re helping the Ogallala Aquifer last.