Saving Water
Due to a finite supply of fresh water in West Texas, water conservation and reuse are essential. CRMWD works to lead the way in local water conservation and reuse through innovative projects like our Raw Water Production Facility, but real conservation can only be accomplished with the help of those who use the water we provide on a daily basis.
We need your help! Not only does saving water protect the future of West Texas it also reduces your water bill. Check out our water conservation tips for more information on what you can do to help protect water supplies for our region’s future.
Indoor Conservation
Saving Inside
Water saving begins on the home front—there are numerous simple ways that you can help reduce water loss. Check out the following for ideas on how you can save indoors.
- Turn off faucets between dishes and brushing teeth.
- Replace old or leaking fixtures with water-efficient ones. The average home loses 10 gallons of water per day via leaking faucets and toilets.
- Put a few drops of food coloring in your toilet tank. If it shows up in the bowl, you have leaks.
- Wash full dish and laundry loads and using short wash cycles. The average washing machine uses nearly 40 gallons of water for a single load.
- Thaw food, rinse produce and soak pans in standing rather than running water.
- Use the garbage disposal sparingly and compost whenever possible instead.
- Take shorter showers.
- Install a slow-flow showerhead and/or a front-loading washing machine, which can each save you 15-20 gallons of water per use.
Outdoor Conservation
Saving Outside
Especially in our dry region, outside water conservation is crucial for reducing overall water use. According to the Texas Water Development Board, 30 percent of our water supply is for outdoor irrigation. Below are some tactics for saving in your yard and daily living outside of home.
Irrigate Wisely
- Water your yard infrequently but thoroughly. In general, water up to 1 inch, once a week as needed. Over-irrigation not only wastes water but can also damage your lawn’s health and drought-resistance.
- Water before 10 a.m. and avoid windy days to avoid evaporation loss and ensure water is not sitting in your yard overnight.
- Use drip irrigation whenever possible to minimize evaporation.
- Consider replacing your current sprinkler timer with a newer, more efficient model. This could save over 8,000 gallons each year.
- Keep an eye out for irrigation system leaks, run-off and miss-application of water to sidewalks and streets.
- Avoid irrigating after a recent rain/snow.
More Outdoor Tips
- Plant native and adapted plants that require less water and remain healthier in drought conditions.
- Don’t over-fertilize, but do use lots of mulch on your yard for healthy grass that retains moisture better.
- Carwash less frequently and take your car to a wash that recycles its water.
- Consider purchasing a rain barrel to harvest rainwater for use on your garden.