Don’t Water At All, Y'all
Texas Two-Step 1400 x 460 (1)

Water Less, Y'all

Don't Water At All, Y'all

North Texas is in a drought. Our soils are dry. So even when it rains, very little water runoff makes it into our - - the sources of our drinking water. At the same time, water use is higher than normal. This places our main water supplies at greater risk and could negatively impact lake recreation next summer.
Now is the time to turn off your sprinklers. Lawns and plants go dormant and do not require much water during the winter. #DontWaterAtAllYall to save water and help replenish our drinking water lakes for next spring.
Scroll down for additional water-saving tips to prepare now for next year.
As much as 80% of water use in the summer months is for outdoor watering. It’s estimated that half of that water may be wasted due to poorly designed and maintained irrigation systems or watering at the wrong time of the day or for too long. Remember, yards are tougher in Texas!

Give these water-saving tips a try, and you’ll be a real Texas hero:

  • Prepare your sprinklers for winter: Turning off sprinklers during the fall and winter months prevents unnecessary watering and reduces the risk of lawn diseases. Winterizing your irrigation system and outdoor faucets and pipes can prevent damage from freezing temperatures that could lead to costly repairs. Check out our to learn how to prepare for the winter.
  • Sign up for weekly watering tips:  The program recommends the amount of supplemental water needed to maintain a healthy lawn each week based on current local weather conditions. Consider it a custom watering plan! 
  • Do the Texas Two-Step and play Texas Hold ‘em:  Water no more than two days a week and only before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. Hold off watering after it’s rained or when rain is in the forecast, as well as during windy conditions. This is backed up by research from turfgrass experts at Texas A&M, as seen and in this .
  • Only water when it’s needed:  An easy way to see if your lawn needs water is to insert a soil moisture gauge or a long screwdriver into the soil. If the screwdriver easily inserts into the soil, like a toothpick into a cake, your lawn does not need watering. If it’s hard to push in the soil, it’s time to water.
  • Cycle and soak: This method of watering helps water go deeper into the roots which is better for the plants. Water in shorter cycles (5-6 minutes each) and wait one hour between each cycle.
  • Get familiar with your sprinkler controller: Watch showing how to adjust your sprinkler controller or ask your landscape professionals for help.  Avoid setting a timer once and forgetting it. recommendations can help with this. Be sure to use the to change watering with the seasons.
  • Select the right plant for the right place: Texas and do better in local growing conditions.  Group plants with similar water needs in the same location to help avoid overwatering. Soil amendments (compost and mulch) retain water in the soil and improve plant health. 
  • Learn about Water Efficient Lawn & Garden Care for North Texas: Check out all the best water-saving tips in . 
The are projected to grow nearly fivefold by 2070. To meet future needs, Upper Trinity is relying on conservation as part of its plan.  If we all do our part, we can stretch our limited water supplies further. So, Water Less, Y’all!