Water Conservation / Drought Contingency

Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plans

The most recent Water Conservation Plan (WCP) and Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) approved by the Seis Lagos Utility District Board of Directors are currently in effect. Updated 2024 WCP/DCP are under review by District personnel, engineers, and the NTMWD. Once finalized and approved by the NTMWD and the Board, the new plans will be posted and implemented. Until then, the existing plans remain enforced.

Water Conservation Plan Drought Contingency Plan TWDB Drought Monitor US National Drought Conditions

CONSERVATION TIPS FOR YOUR HOME

  • Wash dishes by hand with filled sinks instead of running water.
  • Upgrade to air-cooled appliances to save water.
  • Only run the dishwasher with a full load.
  • Use the garbage disposal sparingly; compost instead.
  • Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator for cold drinks.
  • Use a small pan of cold water to clean vegetables and reuse the water for plants.
  • Cook with minimal water and a lid for nutrition and water savings.
  • Designate one glass for drinking water each day to reduce dishwashing.
  • Defrost food in the refrigerator.
  • Reduce rinsing with newer dishwashers.
  • Use leftover ice cubes to water plants.
  • Always look for new ways to save water in the kitchen.
  • Shorten showers by a minute or two.
  • Turn off the water while brushing your teeth.
  • Take showers instead of baths.
  • Turn off the water while washing your hair.
  • Reduce bath water levels.
  • Install low-volume flush toilets.
  • Test and repair toilet leaks.
  • Use toilet tank displacement devices.
  • Avoid using the toilet for disposing of trash.
  • Use cold water for washing hands when possible.
  • Turn off the water when washing hands.
  • Fill the basin with hot water when shaving.
  • Install water-saving aerators on faucets.
  • Only run the washer with full loads.
  • Wash dark clothes in cold water.
  • Match water levels to laundry load size.
  • Choose water-efficient appliances.
  • Fix leaks in waterline connections and faucets.
  • Repair dripping faucets.
  • Check for hidden leaks between the water meter and the house.
  • Insulate hot water pipes.
  • Set water heater thermostats appropriately.
  • Use a moisture meter for house plants.
  • Winterize outdoor spigots and faucets.
  • Water only when needed; check soil moisture.
  • Avoid over-watering; use a timer.
  • Water lawns early in the morning.
  • Use sprinklers that produce large drops of water.
  • Set automatic sprinklers for thorough, infrequent watering.
  • Use drip irrigation systems for plants and shrubs.
  • Water slowly and avoid windy days.
  • Avoid watering streets, walks, or driveways.
  • Condition soil with mulch or compost before planting.
  • Fertilize lawns twice a year.
  • Avoid scalping lawns in hot weather.
  • Hand water small areas as needed.
  • Use drought-tolerant, water-wise plants.
  • Decorate with materials that require no water.
  • Use a broom instead of a hose to clean walkways.
  • Wash cars using a bucket of soapy water, using the hose only for rinsing.
  • Check outdoor faucets, sprinklers, and hoses for leaks.

WaterMyYard Program

Program Overview: WaterMyYard uses local weather data in sponsored areas to provide free, weekly watering advice. Data is collected from a network of weather stations and rain gauges, combined with research-based plant water needs, to offer customized recommendations for your lawn and irrigation system.

Benefits:

  • Save Money: Reduces water bills by preventing over-watering and improving irrigation efficiency.
  • Conserve Resources: Helps conserve Texas water resources by minimizing water waste.
  • Healthy Lawn: Provides precise watering recommendations to maintain a healthy lawn with less water.

How It Works:

  • Customized Advice: Create an account, answer questions about your irrigation system, and receive weekly advice on how long to run your sprinklers.
  • Automated Recommendations: Receive automated emails or text messages with watering guidance based on local weather conditions.
  • Flexibility: Recommendations account for weekly needs but consider local forecasts to avoid unnecessary watering.

Get Started: Sign up today to take the guesswork out of watering your lawn, save money, and help conserve water resources for the future. For More Information: Visit the TexasET Network for additional details on evapotranspiration and daily ET rates for other locations.

WaterMyYard // TX A&M AgriLife Extension

WaterMyYard App Store Link

WaterMyYard Google Play Store Link

Guide to Identifying and Fixing Water Leaks in Your Home

​Easy-to-fix water leaks waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water annually in the U.S., with the average household wasting about 10,000 gallons each year. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 10% of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more daily. New digital meters can alert customers to continuous water use, indicating potential leaks such as running toilets, dripping faucets, or pipe holes. By quickly checking for and fixing common leaks, such as worn toilet flappers, leaking faucets, shower heads, and inefficient irrigation systems, homeowners can significantly reduce water waste and save on their water bills.

Start by examining your utility bill for January or February. Water usage of over 12,000 gallons in a winter month for a family of four may require further investigation. Also, look for spikes in usage. If your water use is significantly higher this month compared to last month, it could indicate a leak.

Toilets are the largest water users in your home. To check for leaks, add a few drops of food coloring to the tank and wait 10 minutes. If the color appears in the bowl, there is a leak. Flush afterward to prevent staining and consider replacing a worn or torn flapper.

https://www.epa.gov/watersense/fix-leak-week

While waiting to check your toilet for leaks, use this checklist to identify other potential leaks or water waste around your house:
  In the Bathroom:

  • Toilets: Listen for running water and conduct the food-coloring test.
  • Faucets: Listen for drips and check for leaks.
  • Shower heads: Look for drips or stray sprays; use plumber’s tape if needed.
  • Bathtub: Check if water still flows from the tub spout when diverted to the shower; may indicate a diverter issue.
  • Under the sink: Check for pooling water and rust around joints and edges.

  In the Laundry/Utility Room or Garage:

  • Under the sink: Check for pooling water under pipe connections.
  • Clothes washer: Look for pooling water, indicating a possible supply line leak.
  • Water heater: Inspect beneath the tank for pooling water, rust, or other leakage signs.

  In the Kitchen:

  • Faucet: Listen for drips and tighten aerators or replace fixtures if necessary.
  • Sprayer: Ensure water sprays smoothly; clean openings as needed.
  • Under the sink: Check for pooling water and rust around joints and edges.
  • Appliances: Look for pooling water under dishwashers and refrigerators with ice makers.

  Throughout the House:

  • Check for signs of moisture or mold on walls, ceilings, or floors, indicating hidden pipe issues that require professional attention.

​Some leaks, such as a worn toilet flapper, loose pipe connection, or a shower head with stray spray, can be fixed with simple DIY projects. For more complex issues, consider consulting a licensed plumber or a water audit-certified irrigation professional.
 
When replacing fixtures, look for the WaterSense label. Products with this label are certified to use at least 20% less water while performing as well or better than standard models. Learn more about the WaterSense label.

A Watering Guide for Texas Landscape Courtesy of the Texas Water Development Board

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