GALVESTON, Texas – The city of Galveston has asked residents and local businesses to conserve water and water used for irrigation, according to a release.
Galveston’s Municipal Services Department reported seeing an excessive use of water daily between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m.
Recommended Videos
Due to the lack of rain and excessive heat, many customers are using their sprinkler systems to water their yard, which can take a toll on the city’s water supply.
To avoid enacting water restrictions, city officials hope these efforts could be done through voluntary efforts from residents and businesses by adjusting their irrigation schedule to a shorter period or watering their yards on alternating days.
According to officials, the highest usage area has been on the island’s West End.
Residents and second-home owners with automated systems are being asked to adjust the automated schedule to less frequent watering throughout the week and for shorter durations to conserve.
The city of Galveston provided other water-saving tips:
Outdoor -
- Choose drought-tolerant plants. When landscaping, group plants with similar water needs together. Add compost or mulch around trees and plants to conserve water.
- Check your irrigation system. Repair any leaks as soon as possible.
- Sweep it up. Clean your driveway or sidewalk with a broom instead of a hose.
Indoor -
- Check your toilet for leaks. Put a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak that needs repair.
- Replace older toilets. Consider installing a dual flush model that can use even less water.
- Take shorter showers. Try for less than 5 minutes. If you take a bath, only fill the tub half full.
- Turn off the water. Don’t use water while you shave, brush your teeth, lather in the shower, and shampoo/condition your hair.
- Fix leaky/dripping faucets. Even a slow drip can waste several gallons a day.
- Only run your dishwasher with a full load. Scrape food from plates instead of rinsing them.