North Texas is in a drought. Our soils are dry. So even when it rains, very little water runoff makes it into our   - - the sources of our drinking water. At the same time, water use is higher than normal. This places our main water supplies at greater risk and could negatively impact lake recreation next summer.

 

 

Lawns and plants go dormant and do not require much water during the winter. #DontWaterAtAllYall to save water and help replenish our drinking water lakes for next spring.

 

Scroll down for additional water-saving tips to prepare now for next year.

 

As much as 80% of water use in the summer months is for outdoor watering. It’s estimated that half of that water may be wasted due to poorly designed and maintained irrigation systems or watering at the wrong time of the day or for too long. Remember, yards are tougher in Texas!

 

Give these water-saving tips a try, and you’ll be a real Texas hero:

 

Prepare your sprinklers for winter: Winterizing your irrigation system and outdoor faucets and pipes can prevent damage from freezing temperatures that could lead to costly repairs. Check out our   to learn how to prepare for the winter.

 

Sign up for weekly watering tips:  The  Water My Yard program recommends the amount of supplemental water needed to maintain a healthy lawn each week based on current local weather conditions. Consider it a custom watering plan!

Do the Texas Two-Step and play Texas Hold ‘em:  Water no more than two days a week and only before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. Hold off watering after it’s rained or when rain is in the forecast, as well as during windy conditions. This is backed up by research from turfgrass experts at Texas A&M.

Only water when it’s needed:  An easy way to see if your lawn needs water is to insert a soil moisture gauge or a long screwdriver into the soil. If the screwdriver easily inserts into the soil, like a toothpick into a cake, your lawn does not need watering. If it’s hard to push in the soil, it’s time to water.

Cycle and soak: This method of watering helps water go deeper into the roots which is better for the plants. Water in shorter cycles (5-6 minutes each) and wait one hour between each cycle.

Get familiar with your sprinkler controller: Watch  short videos showing how to adjust your sprinkler controller or ask your landscape professionals for help.  Avoid setting a timer once and forgetting it.  Water My Yard recommendations can help with this. Be sure to use the  'Seasonal Adjust' feature on your controller to change watering with the seasons.

Select the right plant for the right place: Texas native plants need less water and do better in local growing conditions.  Group plants with similar water needs in the same location to help avoid overwatering. Soil amendments (compost and mulch) retain water in the soil and improve plant health.

 

Learn about Water Efficient Lawn & Garden Care for North Texas: Check out all the best water-saving tips in  one convenient guide.
 
The 29 communities Upper Trinity serves are projected to grow nearly fivefold by 2070. To meet future needs, Upper Trinity is relying on conservation as part of its plan.  If we all do our part, we can stretch our limited water supplies further.
 
So, Don't Water At All, Y'all!