Show All Answers

1. Why should I conserve water?

Water conservation fortifies our community’s quality of life by ensuring availability of ample water resources and mitigating cost to reduce groundwater use to 40% by 2025 as mandated by the Fort Bend Subsidence District regulations. A comprehensive effort to use our water resources efficiently and reduce wasted water use is an essential component to providing safe and plentiful water to our customers today and in the years to come. As the population grows and water resource regulations change, the city’s Integrated Water Resources Plan (IWRP)  calls on water customers to contribute to our water resource management through conservation.

2. Why should I conserve water when there is no drought?

When water conserving habits are established during times of normal rainfall, the impact of drought and water use restrictions are lessened. For example, when lawns are deeply irrigated only when soil becomes dry (rather than a regular schedule), grass roots grow deeper resulting in a more drought tolerant lawn.

3. Do I have to buy new equipment to conserve water?

Water use awareness and changing habits are the most impactful conservation strategies. Water saving appliances are beneficial to achieving water conservation goals.  When planning appliance replacement or choosing irrigation system components, choose WaterSense™   labeled products that are proven to save water when compared to traditional appliances.

4. How can I save water if I live in an apartment?

Refer to the Saving Water Indoors page for tips to conserve water. Contact apartment maintenance team when repairs are needed for leaking toilets and dripping faucets or leaking waterlines.

5. When is the best time of day to irrigate?

Watering early in the morning, after 2:00 am and before 10:00 am is best for landscapes.  This hydrates plants and sustains them through the high mid-day and afternoon temperatures.  Avoid watering during the heat of the day when evaporation is greatest. Watering in the evening and at night contributes to mold and fungus growth and standing water that attracts mosquitos when they are active.

6. What is Cycle and Soak?

Reduce wasteful irrigation run-off by implementing the Cycle and Soak Irrigation Method.  Cycle and Soak is a two-cycle process that allows water to slowly penetrate deeply into our compacted, clay soils.  When the soil is moistened after the first watering cycle, water from the second cycle will flow even deeper into the soil.  When soil is moist to a depth of 6 to 8 inches, roots are encouraged to grow deeper.  Deeper roots support a healthier lawn.

Links for articles and information on lawn irrigation from AgriLIFE Extension:

• AgriLIFE TODAY, October 18, 2012,  Water, rest, water, save  
• AgriLIFE TODAY, November 1, 2012, Drought-restricted watering schedules don’t have to equate to dead lawns