Arlington residents know that Texas weather can be unpredictable. From scorching summers that push air conditioners to their limits to occasional drought conditions that stress our local water supply, managing water usage has never been more important. The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your entire lifestyle to make a meaningful difference.
Small changes in your daily routine can lead to significant water savings, lower utility bills, and a positive impact on our community’s precious water resources. Whether you’re a longtime Arlington homeowner or new to the area, these six practical tips will help you become a water conservation champion while keeping your home comfortable and your lawn healthy.
Let’s explore simple strategies that work specifically for our North Texas climate and lifestyle, helping you save both water and money throughout 2025.
Every drop counts, especially when those drops add up to hundreds of gallons each month. A single leaky toilet can waste up to 200 gallons daily, while a dripping faucet might seem harmless but can waste over 3,000 gallons annually.
Start with a simple home audit. Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter reading changes, you likely have a leak somewhere in your system.
Common leak locations to inspect:
For Arlington homeowners, pay special attention to outdoor fixtures. Our temperature swings between winter freezes and summer heat can cause pipe joints to expand and contract, creating small leaks that worsen over time.
The City of Arlington offers resources through their water conservation program to help residents identify and address leaks. Many simple repairs cost less than $20 and can save hundreds of dollars on your annual water bill.
Modern technology makes water conservation easier than ever. When it’s time to replace appliances or fixtures, choosing water-efficient models pays dividends immediately.
High-impact upgrades for Arlington homes:
Low-flow showerheads and faucets: Replace old fixtures that use 2.5+ gallons per minute with efficient models using 1.5 gallons per minute or less. You’ll barely notice the difference in water pressure, but your monthly bill will reflect the savings.
High-efficiency toilets: Older toilets use 3.5 to 7 gallons per flush, while new WaterSense-certified models use just 1.28 gallons. For a family of four, this upgrade alone can save over 16,000 gallons annually.
ENERGY STAR washing machines: These use 40% less water than standard models and clean clothes more effectively. Front-loading machines typically use even less water than top-loading models.
Smart dishwashers: Modern dishwashers use less water than hand-washing dishes, especially when you run full loads. Look for models with soil sensors that adjust water usage based on how dirty your dishes are.
Many Arlington residents qualify for rebates through local utility programs when purchasing water-efficient appliances. Check with the City of Arlington’s environmental services department for current rebate opportunities before making your purchase.
Arlington’s climate presents unique challenges for maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces while conserving water. Traditional grass lawns and non-native plants often require excessive irrigation to survive our hot summers and occasional drought periods.
Native Texas plants have evolved to thrive in our specific conditions, requiring minimal supplemental watering once established.
Top water-wise plants for Arlington landscapes:
Replace high-maintenance flower beds and grass areas gradually. Start with the spots that receive the most sun or require the most irrigation. Even converting 25% of your traditional landscape to native plants can reduce outdoor water usage by 30-50%.
Consider xeriscaping principles for new garden areas. Group plants with similar water needs together, use mulch to retain soil moisture, and design irrigation zones based on plant requirements rather than convenience.
The North Central Texas Council of Governments offers plant guides specific to our region, and local nurseries like North Haven Gardens provide expert advice on choosing the right native plants for your specific yard conditions.
Outdoor watering accounts for nearly 60% of residential water usage during Arlington’s growing season. Smart irrigation practices can dramatically reduce this consumption without sacrificing your landscape’s health.
Timing matters: Water early morning (between 4 AM and 8 AM) when temperatures are cooler and wind is minimal. This timing reduces evaporation loss by up to 30% compared to midday watering.
Follow Arlington’s watering ordinance: The city implements seasonal watering schedules to maximize efficiency. During summer months, irrigation is typically limited to twice weekly based on your address’s last digit.
Install smart controllers: Modern irrigation controllers use weather data, soil moisture sensors, and plant type information to automatically adjust watering schedules. These systems can reduce irrigation water use by 20-40% while maintaining healthier plants.
Zone your irrigation: Different areas of your yard have different water needs. Separate sprinkler zones for:
Drip irrigation for targeted watering: Install drip systems for flower beds, vegetable gardens, and container plants. These systems deliver water directly to plant roots with minimal waste through evaporation or runoff.
Check your irrigation system monthly for broken sprinkler heads, clogged emitters, or misaligned spray patterns. A single broken sprinkler head can waste thousands of gallons before you notice the problem.
Small behavioral changes create surprisingly large water savings when practiced consistently. These habits cost nothing to implement but can reduce your household water consumption by 15-25%.
Bathroom water-saving habits:
Kitchen conservation practices:
Smart household strategies:
Involve your whole family in conservation efforts. Children often become enthusiastic water-savers when they understand how their actions help the environment and reduce family expenses.
Arlington receives about 34 inches of rainfall annually, but distribution is often uneven. Capturing and storing rainwater during wet periods provides free irrigation water during drier months.
Rainwater collection systems:
Texas law allows rainwater harvesting, and Arlington encourages these practices through educational programs and occasional rebate opportunities.
Greywater reuse options:
Greywater from washing machines, bathroom sinks, and showers can irrigation landscapes when properly filtered and managed. Simple greywater systems redirect laundry water to flower beds or tree root zones.
Important considerations for greywater:
Check local regulations before installing greywater systems. Arlington’s building department can provide guidance on permits and approved system designs.
Indoor water reuse strategies:
Water conservation isn’t about sacrifice – it’s about making smart choices that benefit your wallet, your community, and the environment. Arlington residents who implement these six strategies typically see 20-40% reductions in water usage within the first year.
Start with one or two changes that seem most manageable for your household. Fix those leaky faucets, adjust your irrigation schedule, or replace one high-water-use appliance. As these changes become routine, gradually add more water-saving practices.
Remember that every gallon saved helps preserve North Texas water resources for future generations while reducing strain on municipal water treatment systems. Your individual actions combine with those of your neighbors to create meaningful conservation throughout our community.
The City of Arlington offers additional resources through their water conservation program, including free irrigation system evaluations and educational workshops. Visit their website or call the environmental services department to learn about current programs and incentives.
Take the first step today. Walk through your home, check for leaks, and choose one water-saving strategy to implement this week. Your future water bills – and Arlington’s water supply – will thank you for taking action now.
