As the Katy area heads into the warmer months, the Nottingham Country Municipal Utility District (MUD) - your local MUD - is emphasizing the importance of water conservation. With the district relying on groundwater wells for its water supply and no certainty of transitioning to surface water from the City of Houston until at least 2030, the need to use water responsibly is more pressing than ever.

According to the Texas Water Development Board, the state’s population is expected to grow by 90% by 2050, and water demand will exceed available resources by 25%. Homeowners in the Nottingham Country MUD can help alleviate this growing issue by adopting water-saving habits both indoors and outdoors.

Reducing Water Use at Home

The average single-family household uses approximately 69 gallons of water per person per day indoors, but this can be reduced by a third through simple habit changes and water-efficient fixtures. Homeowners can make a significant impact by implementing the following measures:

Bathroom Water Conservation Tips

• Install low-flow showerheads to drastically cut down water usage.

• Use faucet aerators to reduce unnecessary water flow.

• Turn off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving.

• Upgrade to low-volume flush toilets or use a displacement device in older models.

• Fix leaking toilets and faucets promptly to avoid excessive water waste.

Kitchen Water-Saving Measures

• Run dishwashers only when full and avoid pre-rinsing dishes under running water.

• Fix leaking kitchen faucets and install aerators.

• Store drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap until it cools.

• Use the garbage disposal sparingly and opt for composting food waste.

Laundry Room Efficiency

• Run full loads of laundry and adjust water levels according to load size.

• Opt for short wash cycles when clothes are lightly soiled.

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Outdoor Water Conservation Strategies

Outdoor water usage can increase by 50% during summer, making efficient landscape watering a priority. Here are key steps homeowners can take:

• Water lawns twice a week and only as needed—St. Augustine grass requires about an inch of water every 4–5 days.

• Use sprinkler systems efficiently by adjusting timing based on the season and ensuring they water the lawn, not pavement.

• Water during early morning or evening hours to prevent excessive evaporation.

• Maintain lawns at three inches in height to help retain soil moisture.

• Use mulch around trees, shrubs, and flower beds to reduce evaporation.

• Opt for drought-tolerant plants and consider drip irrigation for flower beds and shrubs.

• Sweep sidewalks and driveways instead of using a hose.

• Cover pools to reduce evaporation and delay backwashing until necessary.

Detecting and Preventing Water Leaks

Homeowners should regularly check for hidden leaks that contribute to excessive water bills. A simple test involves turning off all water appliances, reading the water meter, and checking again after 20 minutes. Any change in the reading suggests a leak that should be promptly addressed.

The Importance of Water Conservation in Nottingham Country MUD

The Nottingham Country MUD encourages residents to view water conservation as a year-round responsibility rather than just a drought-time necessity. With groundwater supplies finite and future water resources uncertain, proactive conservation efforts will help ensure sustainable water availability for generations to come.

For more information on how to conserve water and reduce your water bill, visit www.savewatertexas.org.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

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.