Water Conservation

When you hear “water conservation” you might think of restricting your lawn’s sprinkler system and while that is an important part, conserving water is so much more than that! Did you know that less than 1% of all water on earth is fresh water that we can actually use? We use this small amount of water for drinking, transportation, heating and cooling, industry, and many more purposes. Water conservation is something you can easily do on a daily basis with little effort or effect to your day to day living.

Leak Resource Guide

The first and easiest thing you can do is to check your property for leaks. The City of Sansom Park’s water meter upgrade to the cellular-based meter reading system has introduced a new way for residents to help detect possible leaks in homes and businesses. However, it is not a replacement for your vigilant eyes and ears keeping watch over your residence. Routine maintenance of sprinkler systems, faucets, and appliances/fixtures that require water supply is the best way to prevent leaks. Unfortunately, even with the best care, water leaks can happen.

Make sure to check your residence or place of business for internal and external leaks. Leaks are not always blatantly visible. Make sure to do a thorough check with your eyes, ears and get hands on to find water leaks in and around your building.

Outside:

Make sure sprinkler systems are working properly with no broken or leaking sprinkler heads
Walk and inspect your yard for patches of exceptionally green grass, this could be an indication of a service or sprinkler line leak
Check outdoor faucets and garden hoses aren’t dripping and are properly protected during the winter months
Routinely inspect, maintain and winterize pools and pool equipment
Keep ornamental fountains clean and contained by repairing cracks and replacing hoses as weathered

Inside:

Toilets. A large problem we find residents experience is a bad flapper valve inside toilet tanks. An easy way to check this is to pour a dark colored soda in the top tank and watch the bowl for several minutes. If you see a discoloration in the bowl, your flapper is leaking.
Water heaters
Clothes washing machine
Dishwasher
Ice Maker/Fridge
Kitchen/bathroom faucets
Bathtubs/Showers
Medical equipment requiring direct water connection

Remember licensed plumbers and city employees are the only ones permitted to turn on and off the water meter. Contact a registered licensed plumber to repair any leaks found on your property. For leaks found on city property, please contact City Hall at 817-626-3791 or the after-hours emergency line at 817-626-1921.

Know Your Watering Days

A properly maintained irrigation system -depending on the number of sprinkler heads and zones- uses approximately 1,500 to 3,000 gallons (or more) per cycle. Multiply this by numerous days a week and you have not only a large water bill but a lot of wasted water. The types of grasses grown in Texas have adapted to the drought-like conditions and require less water than you might think. Conserving water year round is important but especially during the summer months when lakes, aquafers and reservoirs that supply fresh water start to deplete. Watering lawns less leads to more water in our tanks to provide you with drinking water, a hot shower at the end of the day, and fresh water to wash dishes and clothes.

Daily Conservation

Here are a few easy steps you can take throughout your day that add up to big changes in water usage.

Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving
Opt for showers over baths and limit your time in the shower to 10 minutes
Do not let water run during food prep, turn water off once vegetables/fruit/utensils/pots/hands have been rinsed
Only run the dishwasher and clothes washing machine once they are at full capacity (no partial loads)
Use soaker hoses in gardens instead of sprinklers
Use a broom or blower to clear sidewalks of debris instead of power washers
Maintain sprinkler systems: no broken heads, water is directed at vegetation and not hitting pavement, adjust timer (watering between the hours of 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. on scheduled watering days can help prevent evaporation), etc.
Repair leaks around your house as you notice them
If possible, replace out-of-date appliances and toilets with water and energy efficient versions

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