Winter months are your secret weapon for cutting down on water use and locking in a lower wastewater rate for the entire year. Do not let water or money slip down the drain this season. Cold weather slows everything down, including your lawn’s thirst, which makes this the perfect time to reset your habits and prep your yard for a smarter, lower water routine once Texas heat returns.
Here are 8 simple ways to save water this winter and set yourself up for a more efficient, budget friendly summer.
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Install low flow showerheads, toilets, and water efficient appliances (when it's time to replace them). These small upgrades pay off every single day without changing your routine.
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Learn where your home’s water valves are. If a pipe freezes, you can shut things off fast and avoid an expensive indoor flood.
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Turn off sprinklers and reduce irrigation. Winter lawns need very little water because most grasses go dormant. Dormant grass is yellow or brown on top but still firm at the base, and the roots stay healthy. Dead grass, on the other hand, pulls up easily and crumbles. If it holds tight, it is dormant and doing exactly what it should, which means you can safely dial way back on watering.
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Keep your outdoor jacuzzi covered. A well fitted cover keeps the heat in and stops water from drifting off into the cold air.
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Insulate exposed outdoor pipes and hose bibs. After a freeze, check them for leaks. Even a small drip can quietly raise your winter water use.
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Plan your spring garden now. Native plants and drought tolerant grasses thrive with far less irrigation, which helps you keep your summer water use under control.
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Run your dishwasher and washing machine only when they are full. Fewer loads mean less water used and a lower wastewater average.
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Compost vegetable scraps instead of sending everything into the garbage disposal. It saves water and gives you nutrient rich soil for spring planting.
Making these changes now helps protect your home, conserve water, and secure the lowest possible wastewater rate for the year ahead.