Tips & Tricks
Did you know that summer irrigation usage accounts for more than 60% of residential home water use? The best way to curtail overwatering with automatic sprinklers is to NOT use the automatic feature of setting the controller to run.  Instead keep it in OFF position. The next is to insure you are only watering the correct amount needed in each zone by physically testing each zone, doing a little math, and scheduling the controller with the proper amount of time.  The linked brochure can help you in determining the correct amount of time your system should have on each zone, or stop by City Hall and pick up a copy of the brochure.  The Texas AgriLife Extension has some quick tips to help keep your yard alive without wasting water, along with EPA's WaterSense Smart Outdoor Practices.

We are currently observing Stage 2 water restrictions which allow two days per week watering, but on weeks we receive an inch of rainfall, you may not need to water at all-so keep the controllers OFF, as rain sensors dry out quicker than the soil. Check the soil moisture by inserting a screwdriver into the soil. If it slides in, the soil is moist and does not require more irrigation. By doing this each week before your watering days, you will save the most water, and in turn save on your water utility bill! Please conserve to help avoid a return of Stage 3 restrictions.

Save on your Water Bill
More than 50% of a homeowner’s water bill may consist of lawn and landscape watering. This watering usually accounts for the most water waste! Here are useful tips to produce substantial savings in your water bill:

• Design landscape with water-efficient plants.
• Determine how much water your landscape needs to stay healthy.
• Follow landscape management regulations listed in the Water Conservation and Drought Contingency and Emergency Response plans.
• Harvest rainwater: see the rebate page for information about a Rain Barrel Rebate!
• Keep automatic irrigation controllers in the "off" position and turn on water only when necessary!
• Keep irrigation system equipment maintained! Broken or misaligned sprinkler heads waste tremendous amounts of water and they are subject to violation.
• Never use a hose to sweep sidewalks and driveways!
• Use a hose shut-off nozzle to keep from wasting water.
• Use water-wise landscape management practices.