It was just last year that much of the Southeast Texas Groundwater Conservation District (and east Texas in general) was experiencing very severe drought conditions. How quickly things have changed - from drought conditions to wet conditions in only a matter of months. It’s times like now that it’s difficult to talk to people about conserving water, especially when, as of June 1, some parts of the District have received or surpassed (in some instances significantly surpassed) the annual average rainfall for the entire year. Even in an average year we typically have an abundance of rain with an average annual of 52 54 inches. Having already hit our annual average in some places and with a very active hurricane season predicted, it is quite possible that we could get 70 or more inches of rain in 2024 (one rain gauge in Tyler County has actually already surpassed 70 inches).
Although we have experienced wet conditions for the first five months of the year, predictions are that we will be transitioning back to a La Nina weather pattern which typically brings warmer and drier weather as was the case during the summer of 2023. Prolonged La Ninas are not unheard of, as was the case in 2010 - 2012 which was one of the driest periods in Texas history. Most areas within the Southeast Texas Groundwater Conservation District saw 30% - 35% less rain than normal during that period. The northwestern portion of the District (Woodville area) saw closer to 50% less rainfall. Because drought is always possible, it is best that we conserve our most precious resource when we can so that it will be available in the future. Just because we have plenty right now, doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t stay water wise and conserve whenever we can. Don’t forget, it was only last summer that some parts of the District were experiencing category D4 Exceptional Drought Conditions, the highest drought rating on the U.S. Drought Monitor, which is a weekly map of drought conditions that is produced jointly by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC).
Although it may seem unnecessary to conserve during wet periods, it is always a good practice so that when we are experiencing drought conditions, it doesn’t hurt as much.
Here are some ways in which you can reduce your groundwater consumption and prevent waste: Conserving Water Indoors: Using efficient showerheads and aerators on your faucets can significantly reduce the amount of water you use. In fact, installing an efficient showerhead is one of the most effective water saving steps you can take inside your house. You can save a little more water by getting into the shower as soon as possible - don’t let the water run too long while warming it up.
When possible, update and replace old toilets, washing machines, and dishwashers. New efficient models can save you thousands of gallons per year.
An older clothes washer will use up to 23 gallons per load, whereas a new energy efficient model may use as little as 13 gallons. Considering that the average household washes about 300 loads per year, the numbers add up quickly. Another thing to keep in mind is that if you wash with hot water, up to 90% of the cost to wash those clothes is simply for heating the water. Only use hot water when necessary so you’ll save on your electrical bill and reduce the impact on the water-energy nexus (a complex relationship between the production of electricity and water).
In the kitchen, a water efficient dishwasher can save over 1,000 gallons per year. Keep in mind that 1,000 gallons per home may not seem significant but multiply that by a neighborhood and 1,000 gallons per home will add up to quite a lot very quickly.
Newer water efficient toilets will use only about 1—1.5 gallons of water per flush. You should always keep an eye out for any leaks in your toilet. A leaking toilet can waste quite a bit of water, possibly thousands of gallons a month in extreme cases. It is estimated that 10% of all homes in the U.S. have water leaks wasting 90+ gallons of water per day.
Conserving Water Outdoors and Reducing Waste:
If you have a swimming pool, consider covering it when not in use. In the summer, a pool can lose as much as half an inch per day due to evaporation, which can add up to the equivalent of your pool’s entire volume each summer. You could potentially save 10,000 – 20,000 gallons or more depending on how big your pool is.
Water landscaping in the morning or late evening to reduce evaporation loss, and only water when needed. Most lawns only need 1 inch of water a week.
If you have a sprinkler system, keep it well maintained and keep an eye out for leaks.
If you have a vegetable or flower garden consider a drip irrigation system. It will water your plants more efficiently and with less waste.
Be conscientious when washing your vehicles at home. If you leave a hose running, you could use as much as 100 gallons or more washing your vehicle. Have a sprayer head on the hose to save water or consider a commercial car wash. A commercial car wash typically uses 35 – 70 gallons of water with newer high-tech facilities using as little as 15 gallons.
For more information on water conservation ideas visit the Southeast Texas Groundwater Conservation District’s Website at: https://setgcd. org/ ,or the Texas Water Development Board’s site at: https://www.twdb.texas.gov/conservation/
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