Frequently Asked Questions
- When is it going to rain?
We are currently in a drought. In a normal year, our area receives 25.26 inches of rain. Since January 1 2006, we have received 19.50 inches of rain, which means that this year alone we are over 5 inches behind. Last year, our rainfall was almost 8 inches below normal.
The rainy days in September did not change our drought status. In order to catch up and bring our lakes back to normal levels, we need another 13-14 inches of rain. What this means is that we must use our water supply wisely.
For more information on our current drought situation and for a current weather forecast, visit:
http://www.weather.gov/forecasts/graphical/sectors/
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/climate/index.php?wfo=fwd - When should I water my lawn?
The best time to water your lawn is early in the morning (typically before 10:00 a.m.) to reduce water loss to evaporation. On a hot summer day, when the temperature reaches the 100 degree mark, Eagle Mountain Lake can lose 65 million gallons of water to evaporation. To put this in perspective, that amount of water would fill 58 Olympic-size swimming pools.
Go to you city's website to learn more about time of day guidelines and restrictions. - How much water does my lawn really need?
A typical lawn will do very well with one inch of water every 5 to 7 days. Remember that deep watering encourages deep roots. Don't forget to decrease your watering frequency in the winter when the grass goes dormant. - Do you have any more suggestions to help me conserve?
Yes! Here are a few:
- Check your sprinkler system to ensure that all the heads are working properly
- Set your sprinkler system on "manual" and turn it on as needed
- Install low flow faucet aerators throughout your house
- If possible, replace old clothes washer and dish washer machines with newer models
- What is a "Xeriscape Landscape?"
Xeriscape is a word created by the Denver Water Department in 1981 as a way of making conservation a recognized concept. This word is a combination of the Greek word xeros (dry) and the word landscape.
The concept of Xeriscape is based on seven principles: planning & design, limiting turf areas, selecting and zoning plants appropriately, improving the soil, using mulches, irrigating efficiently, and doing appropriate maintenance. - How do the counties served by TRWD compare in their per-capita water use?
- How do the cities in the DFW Metroplex compare in their per capita water use?
The complete list of Texas cities can be viewed at:
http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/data/popwaterdemand/2003Projections/HistoricalWaterUse/
2004WaterUse/HTML/2004city.htm - Why is conservation so important?
Conserving water should be our normal behavior. As our population grows, so does our need for water. We must do all we can to extend our current supply. There have been several cities in the United States that have taken the steps to use water wisely.
One example of increasing the efficient use of water is San Antonio, Texas. Since 1984, the City of San Antonio has reduced their water use by 30%. The per person per day use has gone down from 213 gallons in 1984 to 142 in 2000 gallons. With new conservation measures, San Antonio expects that number to go down to 132 gallons per person per day in the year 2030!