Spring into Water Savings: How Fulshear Residents Can Conserve Water and Reduce Utility Bills
As warmer weather returns and lawns begin to green up across the city, the City of Fulshear is urging residents to be mindful of water usage—especially as spring marks a seasonal spike in outdoor irrigation and other water-intensive activities. From adjusting sprinkler systems to fixing leaky toilets, Fulshear homeowners can take practical steps to conserve water, lower their utility bills, and protect local resources for future generations.
According to the North Fort Bend Water Authority, outdoor water use can account for 50–80% of total household water consumption in the summer months. With water conservation becoming increasingly important in fast-growing communities like Fulshear, residents are encouraged to incorporate small but effective changes both indoors and out.
Outdoor Water Conservation Tips
For Fulshear homeowners adjusting their spring and summer watering schedules, efficient landscaping practices can significantly reduce water waste. The City recommends the following:
- Water lawns only once a week—one inch is usually sufficient.
- Irrigate in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.
- Use drip irrigation and sprinklers that release larger droplets close to the ground.
- Install a rain shut-off device to prevent watering during rainfall.
- Raise mowing height—taller grass holds moisture better and promotes deep root growth.
- Mulch garden beds with 1–3 inches of organic material to retain moisture and prevent runoff.
- Avoid cutting more than 1/3 of grass height at a time, and fertilize only in spring and fall to prevent excess runoff.
- Capture rainwater with barrels for later use in gardens.
- Use drought-tolerant native plants and groundcover in areas prone to drying or erosion.
Small steps like adjusting automatic sprinkler systems frequently and turning off decorative fountains during windy days or droughts can also make a big difference.
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Indoor Water-Saving Strategies
Water-saving habits in the home are just as important. On average, Texas residents use 164 gallons of water per person per day, but much of that can be reduced with simple changes:
- Check for leaks monthly. A single leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons per day—nearly 10,000 gallons annually.
- Install low-flow toilets, showerheads, and faucet aerators to cut down on daily consumption.
- Take quick showers instead of baths—a five-minute shower uses significantly less water than a full tub.
- Run only full loads in the dishwasher and laundry machine.
- Turn off the tap while brushing teeth, shaving, or scrubbing dishes.
- Upgrade to high-efficiency appliances like washing machines and dishwashers to save both water and energy.
Restaurants and other commercial spaces in the community are also encouraged to serve water by request only—a small practice that can yield substantial savings across large customer bases.
Free Irrigation System Evaluations
Residents can also take advantage of the Wise Guys program, which offers free evaluations of home irrigation systems. These assessments help identify inefficiencies and provide recommendations tailored to each landscape.
To explore more tips, tools, and resources, visit:
- North Fort Bend Water Authority – nfbwa.com
- Take Care of Texas – takecareoftexas.org/water
- SECO (State Energy Conservation Office) - comptroller.texas.gov/programs/seco
Why It Matters in Fulshear
With continued growth in the region, Fulshear’s demand on water infrastructure is only expected to rise. By making conscious choices today—such as fixing leaks, adjusting irrigation systems, and opting for water-smart landscaping—residents can help ensure the availability and affordability of clean water for the entire community.
Even minor behavior changes, when adopted community-wide, can lead to significant reductions in water usage during the peak of the hot Texas summer.
Water is a shared resource—and every drop saved today helps shape a more sustainable Fulshear tomorrow.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
