Water Conservation

Water Conservation and YOU

What You Can Do:

• Only run the dishwasher or washing machine with a full load. If it is time to replace either of these appliances, check for water-conserving versions and purchase those instead.
• Water your lawn on the right day and at the right times. Most Texas cities restrict outdoor water use to one or two days a week during times of drought; and to certain times year round. Save water and avoid fines by learning and following your city's schedule.
• Catch the condensation from your AC unit and use it in your yard. Depending on how your air conditioner is programmed, it can produce gallons of water per day. Catch that water in a bucket and put it on your garden, shrubs and trees. Install rain barrels at downspouts from gutters. Use this free water to water your garden!
• Turn the water off when you brush your teeth. This simple step can save up to 8 gallons of water per day.
• Fix leaky faucets. Leaky faucets can waste up to 7 gallons of water per day. To check for leaks at home, read your water meter and avoid using water for 2 hours. Read the meter again after this period. If the amount is different, you have a leak.
• Fix running toilets, which waste a lot of water. Fix these leaks as soon as you find them. Check with the manufacturer of your toilet for the proper replacement "flapper" to ensure maximum efficiency.
• Have your irrigation system inspected by a certified irrigator to make sure it is operating correctly, identify any problems, and help you set it to run more efficiently.
• Try watering your lawn once or twice a week. Apply one to one and a half inches or water each time. Light, daily watering leaves too much water at or near the surface of the soil, and does not reach all of the roots where it is needed. Deep watering allows moisture to reach the deepest roots. Allowing the soil to dry between watering will encourage the roots to go deeper to reach the moisture and nutrients it needs.
• Install faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads. These water saving devices are cheap and easy to install.
• Install a high efficiency toilet. Toilets account for about 25% of water used in the home. Depending on the age of your toilet, you can save up to 5 gallons per flush by replacing older models.
• Make water conservation a whole-family activity. Challenge your family members to think of new ways to save water and to be part of the solution!

Water Conservation Programs

Home Water Audit: Leon Valley offers FREE Home Water Audits

• What is Home Water Audit?
  • A Home Water Audit is an assessment of how much water is used and how much water can be saved in the home. Conducting a water audit involves helping calculate water use and identifying simple ways for saving water in the home.
• What are the Benefits of conducting a Home Water Audit?
  • Conducting a water audit can help you save money by reducing your water bill, making you aware of how you use your water, and helping you identify ways you can minimize water usage by implementing simple conservation measures without drastically modifying your lifestyle. 
• How do I request a Home Water Audit?
  • To request your personal Home Water Audit appointment, please call Yvonne Acuna at 210-684-1391 ext. 224

Our water personnel will meet with you at your home to help identify probable leaks and/or ways to help you conserve.  For more information on water conservation please visit the EPA Website.