Toilets
💧 Check for leaks: Add food coloring to the tank. If color appears in the bowl after 15 minutes, you may have a leak.
💧 Upgrade your toilet: Older models use 3.5 gallons per flush. High-efficiency toilets use 1.28 gallons or less, cutting home water use by up to 15%.
Showers
🚿 Showers use less water than baths—a 10-minute shower saves twice as much water as a bath.
🚿 Cut shower time by just a few minutes and save thousands of gallons per year!
🚿 Install a high efficiency showerhead (2.0 gallons per minute or less). Test yours by filling a 5-gallon bucket for 2.5 minutes. If it overflows, it is time for an upgrade.
Sinks
🔹 Use faucet aerators: Mixing air into the water flow maintains pressure while cutting water use. For kitchens, use aerators rated at 1.5 GPM, and for bathrooms, use those rated at 1.0 GPM.
🔹 Turn off the tap: Save 2+ gallons each time you brush your teeth or shave.
Washing Machines & Dishwashers
🌀 Run full loads: Washing only when full saves water and energy.
🌀 Choose WaterSense-certified appliances to reduce water use while keeping performance high.
Smart Watering Tips
🌱 Sign up for “Water My Yard” to get customized watering recommendations.
🌱 Follow your city’s watering schedule—many limit watering to twice a week in warmer months and as little as once a week in winter, especially if your water is supplied by the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD), which serves customers in seven Region C counties.
🌱 Water only when needed—look for signs like dull green grass, curled leaves, and footprints that stay visible.
🌱 Water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation.
Efficient Irrigation
✅ Adjust sprinklers so water lands on plants to prevent watering impervious surfaces
✅ Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses for flower beds and newly planted trees.
✅ Install rain shut-off devices or moisture sensors to reduce water consumption during rain events. .
Landscaping for Water Savings
🌿 Plant native and drought-resistant grasses, shrubs, and trees.
🌿 Apply 1–3 inches of mulch to help retain moisture.
🌿 Avoid using rock or gravel, which increases heat.
Other Ways to Save Outdoors
🚗 Wash your car wisely, visit a car wash that recycles water.
🏡 Harvest rainwater with a rain barrel to use on dry days.
🏊 Cover pools and spas when not in use to reduce evaporation.
By making small changes, you can lower your water bill, protect our water supply, and help East Texas stay water-wise!
TWDB Water Loss Audit Resources
The cheapest water is the water we already have, reducing water loss can be one of the most cost-effective conservation strategies. The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) offers tools and guidance to help utilities identify leaks and inefficiencies. Utilities can also request on-site water audit assistance from TWDB staff.
🔹 Learn more about TWDB’s Water Loss Audit Resources
For further information about the resources mentioned, please contact the Region I Technical Consultant Team (Plummer Associates).