As reported by KHOU 11, the city of Katy, Texas is asking residents to voluntarily reduce the water they are using on a daily basis. The extended heat wave and lack of rain has prompted city officials to upgrade its water conservation level to stage 2 or moderate. This indicates that the city of Katy is attempting to reduce water usage by 10% from daily average use.
Steps to take to reduce water usage
Katy officials are asking residents and business owners to follow a three day per week watering schedule to reduce their water usage:
- Residents with addresses ending in an even number are asked to limit their landscaping water usage to Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
- Residents with addresses ending in an odd number are asked to limit their landscaping water usage to Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
- Commercial buildings, Home Owners Associations and green spaces are limited to Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays for landscaping water usage.
Other steps you can take to reduce water usage
Here are some tips on how to reduce water usage at home:
- Fix leaks. Leaks are a major source of water waste. If you have a leaky faucet or pipe, fix it as soon as possible. You can save hundreds of gallons of water per year by fixing a leaky faucet.
- Take shorter showers. Showers use less water than baths, so try to take shorter showers. A good rule of thumb is to aim for 5 minutes or less. You can also save water by turning off the water while you soap up and shampoo.
- Install water-saving fixtures. There are many water-saving fixtures available, such as low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and toilets. These fixtures can help you reduce your water usage by up to 50%.
- Water your lawn and garden wisely. Only water your lawn and garden when it is necessary. Water early in the morning or late in the evening, when evaporation rates are lower. You can also save water by using a drip irrigation system.
- Wash your clothes full loads. Only run your washing machine and dishwasher when they are full. This will help you save water and energy.
- Reuse water. There are many ways to reuse water around the house. For example, you can use leftover cooking water to water your plants or fill up your kettle.
- Be mindful of your water usage. Just being mindful of how much water you are using can help you reduce your water usage. Turn off the water when you are brushing your teeth or shaving, and only run the dishwasher or washing machine when they are full.
By following these tips, you can help reduce your water usage and save money on your water bill. You can also help protect the environment by conserving water.
