Water Conservation

General Water Conservation


Water conservation is an important topic in North Texas due to the drought conditions the area has experienced during the last few years. Water is a vital and finite resource that must be managed to ensure that the region has enough supply for the area's residents, including plants and animals. To that end, the City of Grapevine promotes water conservation in its many forms.

Why conserve water? We need it! Conserving water also saves you money (through your water bill)! Conserving water today will help make sure that there is water for tomorrow.

Watering Restrictions

 
Watering via irrigation systems is prohibited between the hours of 10:00 am and 6:00 pm year-round.

The City's Watering Restrictions can be found here.

The City's Drought Contingency Ordinance Plan Ordinance can be found in Chapter 25, Article V, Section 25-140 of the Code of Ordinances.

For more information please visit the Tarrant Regional Water District website www.trwd.com and www.savetarrantwater.com

Irrigation Sprinkler Evaluation
​The City of Grapevine works with the Tarrant Regional Water District to provide residents with a "no charge" irrigation sprinkler evaluation the M&M Irrigation & Illumination.  Residents interested in this service can go HERE to sign up for this free service.

Texas SmartScape and Xeriscaping


An excellent way to "drought proof" your lawn and landscaping is to consider xeriscaping. Xeriscaping is the use of drought tolerant plants and/or plants that have low water requirements in your landscaping. These plants require little to no watering from irrigation and can survive the harsh conditions found here in North Texas. The North Central Texas Council of Governments has also developed the Texas Smartscape program which promotes the use of both drought tolerant and native plants in landscaping. Native plants are adapted to North Texas conditions, and often have the added benefits of being both pest and disease resistant. Also native plants attract native insects (including butterflies), birds and other animals. Using native plants also reduces the need for fertilizers and pesticides. This along with reduced watering lowers the chance/ amount of those potentially harmful chemicals entering our creeks and streams.

For the Texas Smartscape Plant List or more information about xeriscaping, please visit www.txsmartscape.com

Additional information about xeriscaping can be found here.

Other Conservation Ideas and Resources


Here are some additional quick tips to help you conserve water:
OUTDOORS
- Adjust your lawn mower cutting height to the highest setting.  Taller grass shades roots and holds soil moisture.  Leaving grass clippings on the lawn adds nutrients back to the lawn.
- Install a rain sensor to your irrigation system to shut of the system during rain events.
- When watering your yard, do it only as need, and when you do, water it thoroughly an inch a week, once a week is usually enough.
- Use drip irrigation for plants and gardens early in the morning. This will minimize evaporation. Additionally, drip irrigation near your house's foundation can be beneficial in reducing the effects of soil movement and foundation issues.
- Collection rainwater for your landscaping needs saves water and money. The Take Care of Texas website has a great do-it-yourself video for rain barrel construction and installation. 
INDOORS
- Install aerators on all of your faucets and shower heads. Aerators can cut water usage in half from these sources.
- Fix leaky faucets and toilets. Leaks from these sources can waste over 3,000 gallons per year.
- Replace old toilets with water efficient models. These can save up to 4,000 gallons of water a year.
- Washing only full loads of laundry and dishes can save thousands of gallons of water every year.
- Using an Energy Star washer can save 50% of the amount of water a normal washer uses (and can save 25% of the electricity).

Additional information about water conservation at home can be found here and here.