Texas Water Conservation
With summer temperatures reaching record highs, it’s more important than ever for Texans to be conscious of how much water we’re using. The state has been dealing with water shortages for years, and it doesn’t look
like things will get better anytime soon. That’s why it’s essential to learn about water conservation and do your part to save water.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the current conditions in Texas and offer some tips on how you can save water in your home or business.
Current Conditions in Texas
Over the last few years, water levels in lakes and reservoirs have dropped significantly, leaving many areas of the state without a reliable source of water. This has led to water restrictions in place in many communities and an increase in the price of water.
According to a fact sheet from the U.S. Environmental ProtectionAgency (EPA), Texas’ population saw a growth of more than 7 percent between 2010 and 2014. Thepopulation is expected to increase by 82 percent to 46.3 million people between2010 and 2060. There is an urgent need to combine additional water supplies and expand conservation efforts to meet the water needs of such substantial population growth.
The Texas Living Waters Project states that scientists have warned that Texas is likely to experience more prolonged and more severe droughts. There could also be a dramatic impact on the state’s already stressed rivers, aquifers, and other natural resources. (Texas Living Waters Project)
Water conservation is essential not only for the environment but also for the state’s economy. Water is a scarce resource in Texas, and conserving it can help save money on infrastructure costs and ensure enough water for future generations.
Tips for Water Conservation
There are many ways to conserve water in your home or business.
Some simple at home tips include:
Fixing Leaks: If there is a leak in the toilet, you could waste up to 200 gallons of water a day. Make sure to fix any leaks in your home or business as soon as possible.
Brushing Teeth: Turning off the tap when brushing your teeth can help you save 4 to 8 gallons of water, adding up to around 200 gallons a month. (EPA)
Taking Shorter Showers: A ten-minute shower uses about 22 gallons of water. Try cutting down your shower time by a few minutes, and you’ll save water without even noticing.
Washing Clothes in Cold Water: About 90% of the energy used to wash clothes comes from heating the water. Washing your clothes in cold water can save both energy and money.
Summer Landscape Tips
Improve Irrigation Systems: Homes with in-ground sprinklers use about 35% more water than those without. When these systems are designed or installed inefficiently, they cause water to run off into the street. (Sierra Club
Rainwater Harvesting: One of the most underutilized water conservation methods is the collection of rainwater. A household can install a rainwater catchment system and use the collected water to irrigate plants in the future.
Redesign the Lawn: Planting drought-resistant native grasses and plants candrastically reduce the water used for lawn watering.
The Right Time to Water: A good time to water all landscaping is either early morning or late evening. This results in lesser water loss due to evaporation. It’s also essential to follow your local watering restrictions. (Texas Water Newsroom)
The best way to prepare for our tomorrow is by conserving today. If we all do our part to conserve water, we can make a big difference in the amount of water available for everyone to use. So next time you’re about to turn on the faucet, think about how you can save water! By following these simple tips, you can make a big difference in conserving water.
What TDT Plumbing Offers You
While water conservation is critical, it’s also essential to use water-efficient products. You can save hundreds of gallons of water each year by replacing the old or inefficient faucets and aerators with water-efficient models. Using water-saving products in your home or business will ensure that you save on your water bill and boost your efforts to save water for our future generations. TDT Plumbing is here to help.
We believe that now is the time to look and prepare your home for the future “what if’s?” so you can avoid facing any inconveniences. It’s time to carefully consider and choose solutions that work best in the long term.
Whether it’s leak detection, repiping, or choosing the right components for the plumbing system, TDT Plumbing will help you make the right choices. We’re committed to helping our customers save water, money, and time and contribute positively to their water conservation efforts.
Call us at (713) 697-2088 or contactus to know more about our services. We’d be happy to help.
Works Cited
Texas Living Waters Project. “Water Conservation.” Texas Living Waters Project, texaslivingwaters.org/water-conservation/.
EPA. “WaterSense for Kids.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, www.epa.gov/watersense/watersense-kids.
Sierra Club. “Water Conservation.” Sierra Club, www.sierraclub.org/texas/water-conservation.
Texas Water Newsroom. “Summer Landscape Care with Water Conservation in Mind.” Summer Landscape Tips | Texas Water Newsroom, texaswaternewsroom.org/articles/summer_landscape_tips.html.