Water Wise Denton

Did you know that Denton has taken a strategic approach to saving water and saving you money, by implementing a twice-a-week watering schedule? Most of the metroplex has implemented a twice weekly, year round schedule as well. Our Schedule is as follows:

Upper Trinity Regional Water District is hosting a FREE Water Talk on May 8th to discuss the benefits and practical tips for twice weekly watering. The event is online from 12pm-1pm.

Click the link below to learn more about the event and register to attend:

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Need some water-wise landscaping inspiration? On this episode of Texas Yard Makeover, let’s look at smart landscape design. The right design can help you save water. There are some basic principles you can start using in your yard right away.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (or NOAA) just released an updated outlook for May, June and July.

NOAA is still predicting another hotter than average beginning to summer. Now is a good time to plant and establish your waterwise perennials before the heat sets in.

Your water footprint is the amount of water you use daily. Most of us are aware of the water we directly use for drinking, showering, irrigation, cleaning and more. Many of us may not be aware that we use much more water indirectly, for example, it takes over 500 gallons of water to make a quarter-pound hamburger! It takes 2,500 gallons of water to make a pair of jeans! If you add up our direct and indirect usage, the average Texan has a 1,800 gallon per day water footprint!

If you are curious to learn about your water footprint check out this water footprint calculator: https://watercalculator.org/wfc2/q/household/

We are excited to announce that we are moving forward on implementing a city-wide, twice a week watering schedule. The schedule is as follows:

This schedule has already gone into effect and should be adhered to. Thank you for helping us keep rates low - by watering on your designated days, we do not have to overdesign our system to accommodate irrigation demand spikes.

In anticipation of the new watering schedule, we have received a few questions regarding the rest of the metroplex. Here are the ways some of our neighbor cities have already implemented irrigation schedules. Please note, however, with all cities adhering to the May 1st Water Conservation Plan update, several cities will be further reducing the number of watering days.

Texas is managing existing water supplies to accommodate a growing population. The largest discretionary use of water is irrigation, but when properly managed, irrigation best practices can extend water supply. There can be confusion around the term irrigation, especially when referring to watering schedules. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions:

1. Do watering schedules include foundation watering?

Foundation watering by soaker hose is not considered irrigation and therefore not included in irrigation schedules. However, from June 1st - September 30th we ask to avoid watering foundations between peak demand hours 10am- 6pm.

2. I have a sprinkler that attaches to the end of my hose, does that count as irrigation?

Yes, automatic sprinklers, sprinkler systems, and hose end sprinklers are all considered irrigation and should follow irrigation schedules.

3. I have a drip irrigation system for my vegetable garden, am I subject to a watering schedule as well?

Drip irrigation is not included in the watering schedule, however drip irrigation systems are required to be properly installed and maintained in a manner that does not create runoff or cause spraying.

4. I am on a private well, am I subject to municipal watering schedules?

Properties on their own well are not drawing from the city water supply and therefore are not included in city irrigation schedules. If a schedule is implemented, we request that these properties either voluntarily follow the same address watering schedule or post a temporary sign stating that they are on a private well.

5. I am concerned my HOA will prohibit me from following a watering schedule, what do I do?

Good news! HOAs are subject to city, county and state watering directives, and must comply. Please feel free to reach out to us if you need additional support.

The warm April weather gives many people the urge to garden. Perennials are plants that return year after year to add beauty to your garden, and these plants are often pollinator habitats as well.

If you are planning to add perennials to your garden, an excellent choice for North Texas is Yarrow. Yarrow is a perennial that is drought tolerant, often seen growing in fields. Both the leaves and tiny clustered flowers have been historically used in teas and herbal medicine. This plant is deer and rabbit resistant, as well as insect resistant. It is one of the few plants that continues to offer blooms during the heat of midsummer, and once established has been known to thrive without irrigation.

Yarrow is readily available at garden centers and seed companies. It is so well suited to this area that many gardeners would be happy to divide and share their established plants.