Bell County WCID No. 1

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Serving Bell County & Central Texas Since 1952

Drought Watch

Summer doesn’t officially begin until June 21st.  However, it began a few weeks ago if you’re in the water supply business in Central Texas.  This summer is shaping up to be a very dry, harsh summer compared to typical Central Texas Summers.  Lakes or water supply reservoirs did not receive normal spring rain and subsequent flows to remain at normal levels.  The Brazos River Authority initiated Stage 1 of it’s Drought Watch, seeking a 5% reduction in water use for all of its customers in March.   This step was initiated due to lower than normal lake levels AND a projected severe drought for most of Texas through the summer months.

Last week the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued a letter from Toby Baker, Executive Director, regarding the senior water right system.  That letter is posted below in its entirety.  It seems clear experts are preparing for a tough summer.  It’s been several years since the state (TCEQ) had to make some tough decisions and curtail water usage in the Brazos Basin, but that very well could happen if the dry projections prove to be accurate.

This page will be periodically updated through this summer or as events unfold.  Please do what you can now to conserve water in your daily routine.  There are many tips listed further down on this web page.  Every drop counts!  

For more conservation information please visit https://brazos.org/.



Document
TCEQ - Water Right Alert


Drought expands in the Southwest, worsening the region's fire risk and water crisis










Water conservation is the most cost-effective and environmentally sound way to reduce our demand for water. This stretches our supplies farther, and protects places like Lake Belton.  Using less water also puts less pressure on Bell County WCID No.1’s sewage treatment facilities, and uses less energy for water heating.  Below are a list of conservation tips you can do to conserve water and save money.

Inside:

Fix leaky faucets and plumbing joints. Saves 20 gallons per day for every leak stopped.

Check toilet for leaks. Put dye tablets or food coloring into the tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing, there's a leak that should be repaired. Saves 400 gallons a month.

Turn off the water while brushing your teeth. Saves three gallons each day.

Turn off the water while shaving. Fill the bottom of the sink with a few inches of water to rinse your razor. Saves three gallons each day.

Install water-saving showerheads or flow restrictors. Saves 500 to 800 gallons per month.

Shorten your showers. Even a one or two minute reduction can save up to 700 gallons per month.

If you wash dishes by hand--and that's the best way--don't leave the water running for rinsing. If you have two sinks, fill one with rinse water. If you only have one sink, use a spray device or short blasts instead of letting the water run. Saves 200 to 500 gallons a month.

When washing dishes by hand, use the least amount of detergent possible. This minimizes rinse water needed. Saves 50 to 150 gallons a month.

Keep a bottle of drinking water in the refrigerator. This beats the wasteful habit of running tap water to cool it for drinking. Saves 200 to 300 gallons a month.

Run only full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher. Saves 300 to 800 gallons per month.

Outside:

Put a layer of hardwood mulch around trees and plants to slow down evaporation. Saves 750 to 1,500 gallons a month.

Don't water the lawn during the hottest part of the day and watering it during early morning is better than dusk since it helps prevent the growth of fungus. Saves 300 gallons.

Water your lawn only when it needs it. Step on your grass. If it springs back, when you lift your foot, it doesn't need water.  Cut down watering on cool and overcast days and don't water in the rain. Can save up to 300 gallons each time.  Water one inch per every 5-7 days, and only if rainfall is insufficient (a rainfall of one inch is sufficient for watering).

Raise your lawn mower blade at least 3 inches or to the highest level. Longer grass means less evaporation. Saves 500 to 1,500 gallons each month.

When taking your car to a car wash--a good idea for saving water--be sure it's one of the many that recycles its wash water.

Don't water the sidewalks, driveway or gutter, as these will not grow or get greener.  Ensure water lands on your lawn or garden where it belongs--and only there. Saves 500 gallons per month. 

Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks. Saves 150 gallons or more each time. At once a week, that's more than 600 gallons a month.


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