Putting money back in your pocket is always in season, and as summer temperatures soar, many Texas homeowners brace themselves for higher water and electric bills.Water prices in Texas continue rising steadily, and overall, the amount paid for water in the U.S. is rising faster than inflation and faster than gas, electricity, or telephone prices, according to a study by the Institute of Public Utilities at Michigan State University.As the fastest-growing state in the U.S., Texas faces huge demands on its water supply at a time when the need to conserve water is becoming more and more apparent.Making a few simple changes can help cut your costs while helping out Mother Earth. You’ve heard the basics — such as only running the dishwasher and washing machines when there is a full load, taking a quick shower instead of a bath, and turning off the water while you brush your teeth.Call the plumber – now!One of the wisest investments you can make — and one that will quickly pay for itself — is a new toilet. Toilets manufactured before 1992 use between 3.5 and seven gallons every time you flush, and toilets account for about one-fourth of all water usage within the home. Consider installing a newer, high-efficiency toilet and you will use just 1.28 gallons per flush, according to the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club.Aerators and showerheadsSwapping out toilets can save about 10,000 gallons per household every year, which means you’ll see the investment begin paying off with your first water bill. And that isn’t the only household replacement you can make to cut back on water usage; look into faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads to ease water use.Aerators are inexpensive and some cities even give them away as part of their water conservation initiatives, so check with your local municipality before heading to the hardware store. Savings may seem small in some cases, but add up quickly when you consider how often water is used.Here are a few more ideas that can help you save water and keep more cash in your pocket:Pay attention to designated watering days. Because of ongoing dry conditions, most cities in Texas adhere to a schedule for watering lawns and foundations. Know your designated watering day, and stick to it — that will help you avoid a hefty fine.Replace lawns and thirsty plants. Make the switch to drought-resistant landscaping for savings on your water bill and your time. Increasingly, gardeners are creating colorful gardens from native and adapted trees, shrubs, and flowering plants, and substituting different types of grasses or redesigning the yard to include no-mow areas that don’t require water at all, such as patios and entertaining areas with decomposed or crushed granite.Recycle water. Whether it’s collecting rainwater from the downspout via a rain barrel or something as simple as collecting the condensation from your air conditioning unit (you’d be surprised how much water it produces!), make a practice of collecting untreated water and using it to water your garden, trees, and shrubs.Immediately repair leaks. Maybe it’s a running toilet, a dripping faucet or a leak in the irrigation system … if you have any of these, you are literally pouring your money down the drain. Fix them fast!Make it a family affair. It can be a game for children or a friendly competition for the family; challenge one another to come up with new ways to save water. Then, share those ideas with your neighbors!
