With Lubbock facing a growing demand for water and an extended drought, saving water now is more important than ever. Know your facts from your myths, and you'll not only raise your Water IQ, but you'll make our water last too.
Myth: If it rains, the drought will be over.
Fact: While the recent rainfall in Lubbock helps, it won't end the drought. The ground is so dry it acts like a sponge, absorbing rain and preventing crucial runoff into the streams feeding Lake Meredith and the playas that recharge the Ogallala Aquifer. It's going to take steady rainfall over a sustained period of time to catch up. Heavy rains in a short period won't solve the problem.
Myth: To really make a difference, Lubbock must drastically reduce its water use.
Fact: Using just 10 percent less water will make a big difference. If everyone makes an effort, we can extend Lubbock’s water supply and survive the drought. You don't have to be a math wizard to figure out how to cut back by 10 percent. Just read your latest utility bill and note how many gallons you consumed. Then multiply the number of gallons by .10. For example, if you used 8,000 gallons, multiply 8,000 by .10. That equals 800 gallons and that's all you need to save in a month. You'll even have plenty leftover to brush your teeth and wash behind your ears.
Myth: It’s more effective to save water inside your home rather than to cut back on outdoor watering.
Fact: Reducing your outdoor use can make a significant difference. Little things like checking for leaks in taps, pipes and hoses can all add up to big savings. One slow drip can waste 20 gallons of water daily (7,000 gallons per year). Operate sprinklers manually—don’t rely on timers. If you must use a timer, learn to operate it correctly. Check sprinkler systems frequently for directional aim and repair broken heads to prevent watering driveways, sidewalks and streets. Have a professional inspect your system annually for leaks.
Myth: Watering daily is the only way to maintain a healthy, green lawn, especially during the summer.
Fact: Your lawn only needs 1-½ inches of water every seven days. In fact, over-watering is just as bad for landscapes and can cause wasteful (and harmful) runoff. Experts recommend watering your lawn deeply and infrequently to promote a strong root system.
Myth: The best sprinklers shoot high, fine sprays, which mist your landscape without wasting water.
Fact: Just the opposite. The best sprinklers throw large drops of water low to the ground rather than misty sprays that allow water to evaporate quickly. Try a pressure-regulated spray head, which maintains a constant pressure. Use soaker hoses instead of sprinklers to water trees, shrubs and beds more efficiently. If you have an automatic sprinkler system, you'll really impress your neighbors by replacing your timer with an evapotranspiration (ET) controller. These smart controllers monitor information about soil moisture, rain, wind and evaporation so your system only waters when it’s truly needed. Traditional timers require manual adjustments every time the weather changes. ET controllers use real-time data from local weather stations to make adjustments automatically and can reduce water use by about 30 percent.
Myth: Keep your lawn short. Shorter grass uses less water, so you don't need to water as much.
Fact: Let your hair down and let your grass grow. Raise your lawnmower blade to a height of at least 3 inches. A taller lawn will shade your soil so it requires less water. When you let your grass grow taller, its roots grow deeper, and you'll have a healthier lawn.
Lower Your Water Use. Raise Your Water IQ. You can do it!
