Easy Ways to Save

Every day is a chance to save. In fact, every day provides dozens of easy ways to save water. Here’s a sample dozen smart, simple choices you can make whenever you use water — inside or out. Find new ways to save.

  1. Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth, or washing your face or hands.
  2. Operate your sprinkler system manually, for more control over when and how much you water.
  3. 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).
  4. Install an automatic sensor that shuts off your sprinkler system whenever it freezes, rains or is unusually windy.
  5. 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.
  6. Use sprinklers that spray large drops of water close to the ground rather than a fine mist over the top.
  7. Invest in an energy-efficient clothes washer, adjust the water level to your load size, and run the washer only with a full load.
  8. Use a drip irrigation system or soaker hoses rather than sprinklers to water trees, shrubs and garden beds.
  9. Turn off the water while you shave, and rinse your razor in a plugged sink rather than under a running faucet.
  10. Check your sprinklers often for directional aim and broken heads, and redirect, repair or replace them as necessary.
  11. 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.
  12. 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