How to Save Water During Austin's Drought

Hi Neighbors! It's no secret that Austin, and much of the United States, is facing a drought. But fear not, because in this article, we're not just going to talk about the drought – we're going to help tackle it by exploring no-cost ways to conserve water.

The Drought: Austin's Thirsty Terrain

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of water conservation, let's tip our hats to the situation at hand. According to The U.S. Drought Monitor, several counties in Texas, including Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, and Caldwell County, are experiencing what they call "Exceptional Drought" conditions. In response, the local government in the City of Austin has put water restrictions in place.

City Response: Water Restrictions

City of Austin Water Restrictions

There are additional water restrictions in place, and the full release can be read on the City of Austin's website. Overall, wasting water is a no-no, so, don't let it happen on your watch. Restaurants also aren't supposed to serve water unless a customer asks for it - so be sure to speak up, and drink up, if you are thirsty!

No-Cost Conservation: Free Ways to Save Water

Now that we've got the rules down, it's time to find some additional ways to conserve water during the drought. The City of Austin has provided a number of Water Saving Tips on their website. Here are a few of the conservation tricks that homeowners can do at no cost:

• Adjust Your Lawn Mower: Raise the lawn mower blade. Taller grass encourages deeper root systems and provides shade to reduce moisture loss.

• Pet Water and Fish Tanks: Don't pour old water down the drain when refreshing pet bowls or cleaning fish tanks. The water can be used to water the plants. The plants will thank you, and your pets won't tell.

• Locate Your Water Shut-Off Valve: Locate the master water shut-off valve at home. In case of a pipe burst, this knowledge can save gallons of water and prevent home damage.

• Leave Lower Branches: The lower branches of bushes and trees provide shade and keep the soil cool while reducing evaporation.

• Pull Your Weeds: Weeds compete with plants for water and nutrients. Getting rid of weeds will save water and help keep plants happy.

• Shady Business: Shade helps reduce evaporation, so areas in the shade need about 30 percent less water than sunny spots.

• Mulch Magic: A 2 to 4 inch layer of organic material, like lawn clippings or tree leaves, around the base of trees and plants will help the soil retain moisture and keep pesky weeds at bay.

• Full-Load Laundry: Only run full loads in the washing machine.

• Broom It Up: Instead of hosing down driveways, sidewalks, and patios, a broom can be used to sweep them clean. It's a low-tech, water-saving way to keep things tidy.

So, there you have it, friends – we might be facing a drought, but we can also face it head-on with a smile and some water-saving tricks. Remember, together we can make a difference, so, let's each do our part to keep the Lone Star State hydrated.