In North Texas, where summer heat persists and outdoor water usage can account for up to 70% of a water bill, conserving water effectively amidst extreme weather conditions like droughts can be challenging. Fortunately, Texas Smartscape, a water-conservation program hosted by the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG), offers guidance on strategic lawn usage to promote water conservation. Here are some basic steps to help you become an expert in water conservation!

• Using Native and Adaptive Plants: Native plants that are well-adapted to our environment have the capacity to tolerate droughts, can resist diseases and pests, and will attract important pollinators. By using native and adaptive plants, you can reduce your irrigation, reduce fertilizer and pesticide use, provide wildlife habitat, and conserve water!
• Becoming Water-Wise: Efficient irrigation can save you both money and water! Here in Southlake, watering between 6pm and 10am is the best and only City-approved method to prevent unnecessary loss of water during those hot summer days. As a reminder, homes with an even address may only water on Wednesdays and Saturdays, while homes with an odd address may only water on Thursdays and Sundays.

Beginning with these steps will ensure that you have the knowledge and tools to enhance and beautify your garden and lawn while simultaneously saving money, water, and the environment. So, let’s put the “petal” to the metal and get started, Southlake!

To learn more about the Texas Smartscape initiative and get some inspiration for your dream landscape, visit the Texas Smartscape Webpage. Want more information over Southlake’s watering schedule? Visit Water Smart, Outside.

Being Water Smart simply means using only as much water as you need by being aware of your water usage. The following programs will help your yard flourish while you save water and money! For more watering tips, click here.

Texas SmartScape Month

March is Texas SmartScape Month! This spring, try out some water-efficient landscaping by using the regionally-developed Texas SmartScape Landscape Design Tools online. To discover nearby plant sales or learn more about native and adaptive plants, check out the Texas SmartScape website.

Weekly Watering Advice

Sign up for weekly water advice localized to your address based on weather patterns. You’ll receive an alert every week to tell you how much to water your yard based on how your sprinkler system is set up and the prior week’s rainfall! To sign up for weekly watering advice, click here.

EyeOnWater 

Control water use from the palm of your hand with the EyeOnWater app! Every water meter in the City has technology installed that reads individual water use data wirelessly, giving you the ability to detect leaks in your home, ensure the sprinklers are operating as intended and more! To sign up for an EyeOnWater account, click here.

W.I.S.E. Guys Sprinkler Evaluation

Receive a free sprinkler evaluation and receive a rebate up to a $200 on your water bill for water-conserving repairs you make! Now is the time to fix up that irrigation system - you don’t want to wait until that high water bill hits in June to find out your system may have a leak. To learn more about the W.I.S.E. Guys program, click here.