11. |
MULCH Mulch beds and trees with leaves, grass clippings, bark, gravel, etc. (organic or inorganic materials to reduce moisture evaporation from soil by up to 50%. |
| 10. |
XERISCAPE Choose well-adapted, drought-tolerant or native plants which require less water to maintain. (Contact Texas Agricultural Extension Service Master Gardeners for more information.) |
| 9. |
SINK Turn off the water while brushing teeth or shaving. |
| 8. |
TIMER Set irrigation system timer to come on between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. |
| 7. |
REPAIR Repair plumbing leaks immediately; small leaks can waste up to two (2) gallons per hour. |
| 6. |
SPRINKLER HEADS Check for broken or misaligned sprinker heads once per month. Repair or replace damaged components with original parts. Please don't waste water by irrigating walks, streets, driveways, or buildings. |
| 5. |
RUNOFF To reduce runoff, cycle your sprinkler timer for graduated start times to allow the soil time to absorb the water; i.e., three 5-minute cycles instead of one 15-minute cycle. |
| 4. |
CAR WASHING When washing your car at home, use a cut-off nozzle when not using the water. |
| 3. |
COMMODE LEAKS Check your commodes for leaks by putting a small amount of food coloring in the tank. Check 10 minutes later to see if there is colored water in the bowl. If so, you have a leak that needs to be repaired. |
| 2. |
DRIP IRRIGATION Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to slowly deep-water trees, shrubs, and landscape beds to conserve water and encourage deep rooting. |
| 1. |
PRAY FOR RAIN!! |
