Water Conservation

Getting Started

Conserving water is good for everyone. The primary incentive for the consumer to conserve water is to reduce the monthly water bill. Often times the main source of water use is the lawn irrigation system. MidSouth Water Services offers free lawn irrigation audits to residential water customers. The audit calibrates the irrigation system to only use what is necessary so excess water is not wasted.

Lawn Irrigation Audit

WISE Guy Evaluation Request

Review of Lawn Irrigation Audit

“The WISE Guys found that my control panel was setup improperly, that I had several damaged sprinklers and a broken rain sensor. They helped me understand what should be corrected to save money on my water bill. This was time well spent!” – Cynthia B.

Conservation 101

Texas’ conventional fresh-water supplies are already 75 to 80% developed. Efficient use of our water resources means preserving and extending water supplies, as well as savings in water costs. The largest potential saver is you; the water customer. Even a 10 to 15% reduction in personal water use can save Texas water rate payers billions of dollars over the next 50 years. Conservation is everyone’s responsibility.

How to Check for Leaks

Turn off all water outlets and water-using appliances. Read the dial on the meter (often located along the property line) and record the reading. After 15 to 20 minutes, recheck the meter. If no water has been used and the reading has changed, a leak is occurring somewhere in your plumbing system.

Easy-to-Repair Water Leaks

Hose Washers – Simply replacing a hose washer can often fix your leaking garden hose connection.
Faucet – Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet. It’s simple, inexpensive, and can save 140 gallons per week.

Outdoor Watering Tips

Adjust your sprinklers so that the lawn is watered, not sidewalks and driveways.
Don’t water on windy days.
Water only during the early morning hours before sunrise. Most daytime water is lost through evaporation.
If you wash your car, do it on the lawn, not the driveway.
Adjust your lawn-watering schedule to the season. For winter grass, water every 7 to 14 days. For summer grass, water every 3 to 6 days.
Use a broom, instead of a garden hose to clean your driveway and sidewalks.
Don’t leave your house unattended. Use a timer in the house to remind you to turn the water off.

Indoor & Water Heater Tips

Set the thermostat to 120 F. (Always use extreme caution when adjusting temperature settings. Prior to making any adjustments, turn off power to the water heater.)
Electric water heaters usually have 2 heating elements. Make sure both are working.
Install an insulation blanket on the water heater to reduce tank heat loss.
Install a good quality, low-flow showerhead to reduce water consumption by 50%.
Wrap all exposed hot water pipes with foam tube insulation.
Take showers instead of baths.
Wash dishes in a full sink, not running water.

Water Loss Per Month

Leaks = Water Loss

Slow Steady Drip – 35 Gallons
Fast Drip – 600 Gallons
Small Stream – 2,000 to 2,700 Gallons
Large Stream – 6,000 Gallons

Water System Meters

Montgomery Trace – 8,000
Stillwater – 40
Crown Ranch – 280

*Approximate Meter Count