We've all heard the saying, "Water is Life." A community cannot exist without a sufficient amount of water resources to meet its future needs. To help ensure that we have enough water for the Coastal Bend, we need your help. It takes getting everyone involved in your home. We often think that toilets, showerheads or faucets waste water; however, the truth is people waste water.  Have you ever ignored a faucet leak for more than a month or watered on a windy day?  Help save our community's water resources.

How to conserve water indoors:

If you don't already have an ultra-low flush toilet (1.6 gallons per flush), then train yours to use less by installing a toilet dam or plastic jug.

• Install a low-flow showerhead (one that dispenses less than 3 gallons per minute).
• Reduce the level of water in your bath - instead of 10 inches of water, use only three.
• Keep a jug of water in the refrigerator so that you don't have to run the tap until the water runs cool.
• Only wash full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher.
• Rinse dishes in a pan; don't rinse under running water.
• Turn water off when brushing your teeth or shaving.

How to conserve water outdoors:

• Use the principles of xeriscape (quality landscaping that conserves water and prevents water pollution) in your yard.
• Plant native, drought-tolerant or adapted plants in your yard. Water only in the morning, when evaporation rates are at their lowest.
• Use sprinklers that throw big drops of water close to the ground. Smaller drops and mist often evaporate before they hit the ground.
• Water only when your grass begins to show signs of stress - when it begins to wilt or discolor or when footprints are visible after you've walked on it.
• When you do water, water deeply and infrequently to promote good root growth and healthy plants.
• Use a broom to wash your driveway - not a hose. Don't water the pavement.

How to prevent water pollution:

• Buy only the amount of fertilizers, pesticides or other hazardous chemicals that you need so that you don't have to dispose of the leftovers. Read all the labels and follow directions.
• Be an informed consumer. Consider alternatives if any of the following words are or on labels: caution, warning, danger, poison, flammable, volatile, caustic or corrosive.
• Use organic lawn and garden alternatives that do not contain synthetic chemical poisons.
• Recycle your used oil, automotive fluids, batteries and other products.
• Don't dispose of hazardous wastes in storm drains, wastewater systems, creeks, alleys or the ground. This pollutes the water supply.