Water Wise Denton
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HOAs and Native Landscaping
Share HOAs and Native Landscaping on Facebook Share HOAs and Native Landscaping on Twitter Share HOAs and Native Landscaping on Linkedin Email HOAs and Native Landscaping linkDid you know that Texas state law prohibits HOAs from disallowing water-wise landscaping? Join the free water talk this Valentines, February 14th at noon CST to learn ways to partner with your HOA to make your home and your neighborhood more sustainable by using less water for outdoor irrigation. To register and form more information, click here: Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
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Contingency Plan, Lake Levels and Gardening
Share Contingency Plan, Lake Levels and Gardening on Facebook Share Contingency Plan, Lake Levels and Gardening on Twitter Share Contingency Plan, Lake Levels and Gardening on Linkedin Email Contingency Plan, Lake Levels and Gardening linkHeading into the weekend, the water department has a few announcements for our community.
First a friendly reminder that there are 13 days left to comment on our water conservation plan, which you can read here: https://www.cityofdenton.com/DocumentCenter/View/850/2019-Drought-Contingency-Plan-PDF?bidId=
Comments should be submitted here: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/203b95cde04e4bdab38383ecc8af7459
Additionally we are thrilled to announce that our lakes are almost full, as of today Lake Lewisville is 98% full and Ray Roberts is 97% full. This is great news because climate models predict another brutal summer ahead, hotter and drier than 2023, which was a record breaking year. As water users, that means our job is to conserve now, and implement conservation practices while we have water. One of the 3 reasons we have to put water restrictions in place, is based on lake levels, the more we conserve now, the less strained the lakes will be this summer, when heat drives heavy water use and more evaporation.
If you plan to garden or maintain your landscape this spring, now is the time to prepare.
If possible, replace sprinklers with bubblers, soaker hoses or drip tape. Test your sprinklers now and make repairs. Remember to choose plants that are drought tolerant, but also keep in mind that drought tolerant plants usually need a year or two to get established before they are truly rooted enough to withstand the heat and drought. Consider using pots so that you can move your plants under shade when the summer heat kicks in.
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Stay Alert for Freezing Temperatures
Share Stay Alert for Freezing Temperatures on Facebook Share Stay Alert for Freezing Temperatures on Twitter Share Stay Alert for Freezing Temperatures on Linkedin Email Stay Alert for Freezing Temperatures linkCurrently the weather forecast does not anticipate freezing temperatures within the next 10 days. That said, we do request our residents monitor the weather regularly in case any changes occur. If you have lived in the area for a while, you already know that changes can happen quick and without warning!
Typically our area will see a hard freeze in February, it is important to remain alert and be prepared to drip faucets at a rate of 5 drops per minute if freeze occurs.
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Public Comment Period - Water Conservation Plan
Share Public Comment Period - Water Conservation Plan on Facebook Share Public Comment Period - Water Conservation Plan on Twitter Share Public Comment Period - Water Conservation Plan on Linkedin Email Public Comment Period - Water Conservation Plan linkThe Water Conservation Plan is in the process of being updated, and as part of that process we would like to hear from you. This plan is a document that details the way we currently manage water here in Denton, where water is limited, rainfall is unpredictable, and population is quickly growing. This document shapes the way we treat water everyday. A component of this document includes our drought contingency plan. This plan details our water management practices in the event we get into a drought situation.
You can find the document here: https://www.cityofdenton.com/DocumentCenter/View/850/2019-Drought-Contingency-Plan-PDF, and it is also in the documents section on the right side of this webpage.
You can submit your comments here, in our comments form: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/203b95cde04e4bdab38383ecc8af7459
We are taking comments through February 22nd.
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Wrapping your faucets
Share Wrapping your faucets on Facebook Share Wrapping your faucets on Twitter Share Wrapping your faucets on Linkedin Email Wrapping your faucets linkSeveral protective measures should be taken outdoors prior to a freeze. Remove your hoses from outdoor faucets. Wrap the faucets in styrofoam hose covers, which can be purchased at any hardware store. If you do not have access to hose covers, a DIY covering will work just as well.
To DIY in the absence of foam covers,
First, wrap the faucet in an old towel/ rag/ or whatever cloth you may have available.
Next, place a plastic bag, such as a Ziplock, over the entire wrapped faucet.
Then, secure by wrapping with duct tape or by any other means you may have.
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Are you Winter Ready?
Share Are you Winter Ready? on Facebook Share Are you Winter Ready? on Twitter Share Are you Winter Ready? on Linkedin Email Are you Winter Ready? linkThere is a hard freeze predicted to arrive Sunday the 14th and last through Wednesday the 17th. Did you know that opening all cabinets with internal plumbing can keep your pipes safe? For more winter weather home safety, check out our preparedness video:
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Use it. Enjoy it. Just Don't Waste it.
Share Use it. Enjoy it. Just Don't Waste it. on Facebook Share Use it. Enjoy it. Just Don't Waste it. on Twitter Share Use it. Enjoy it. Just Don't Waste it. on Linkedin Email Use it. Enjoy it. Just Don't Waste it. linkWater is Awesome!
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Winter Water usage Defines Annual Wastewater Rates
Share Winter Water usage Defines Annual Wastewater Rates on Facebook Share Winter Water usage Defines Annual Wastewater Rates on Twitter Share Winter Water usage Defines Annual Wastewater Rates on Linkedin Email Winter Water usage Defines Annual Wastewater Rates linkDid you know that your wastewater rate is calculated by the amount of water that you use? For more information, please watch the video below
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Xeriscaping can start small
Share Xeriscaping can start small on Facebook Share Xeriscaping can start small on Twitter Share Xeriscaping can start small on Linkedin Email Xeriscaping can start small linkThe largest non-essential use of water supply is irrigation, which is why the City of Denton works hard to promote Xeriscaping. One of the most common comments we receive involves our residents expressing a desire to conserve, but the cost of rock and gravel is too costly for a conversion. Good news, Xeriscaping in North Texas does not necessarily mean a rock garden there are many, many beautiful prairie wildflowers and natives that thrive in our area with little or no additional watering. Additionally, every little bit helps, and there is no need to feel pressured to convert your entire yard at once.
Consider starting small, even replacing a single square foot of grass with a drought tolerant, native plant will save around 70 gallons of water over the course of the summer.
A very drought tolerant, bee friendly herb to consider is rosemary. It is beautifully fragrant and takes up nearly 3 sq ft of yard, saving over 200 gallons of water!
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2023 Rainfall Recap, and 2024 Heat Predictions
Share 2023 Rainfall Recap, and 2024 Heat Predictions on Facebook Share 2023 Rainfall Recap, and 2024 Heat Predictions on Twitter Share 2023 Rainfall Recap, and 2024 Heat Predictions on Linkedin Email 2023 Rainfall Recap, and 2024 Heat Predictions link2023 saw much lower rainfall than average.
On Average, Denton receives 38.09" of rain per annum, however in 2023, Denton received 28.38" for the year.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released their climate prediction data for 2024. The full data set for 2024 can be found at: https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/predictions/long_range/seasonal.php?lead=6
The prediction for July - September of 2024, our typical hottest months, is showing temperatures above average once again.
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Important Links
- Visit Sustainable Denton for more information on our Sustainability Programs
- Visit Water Data for Texas to see current information on Texas Lake Levels
- Visit Texas AgriLife Extension for more Irrigation Information
- NOAA Climate Prediction Data
- We offer variances to the irrigation schedule for special circumstances, click here to learn more
Videos
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Click here to play video Water Talk: Smart Irrigation Technology Learn About Smart Irrigation Technology from a licensed irrigator
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Click here to play video Rainwater Harvesting Pt 1 Texas A&M AgriLife Extension The contents of Part 1 contain: • General Information: Importance? How much can be collected? • Passive Rainwater Harvesting: Directing & slowing rainwater runoff • Active Rainwater Harvesting: Collecting, storing, and directing rainwater
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Click here to play video Rainwater Harvesting Pt 2 Texas A&M AgriLife Extension The 2nd part of the Rainwater Harvesting Training contains information on: • Uses of Rainwater: Where and how to use rainwater? • Components of a RWH System: Includes collection, storage, distribution, & improving water quality. • Maintenance of the system and winter protection.
Who's Listening
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Water Conservation Compliance Coordinator
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HS