Water Conservation Tips and Tricks

Don't Water Between 10 a.m and 6 p.m.

The City of Mansfield's Water Conservation Plan prohibits outdoor watering with an irrigation system between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. According to the Texas A&M University School of Irrigation, the optimal time to water is between 3 and 6 a.m. Up to 30 percent of the water sprayed on lawns during the heat of the day can be lost to evaporation.

Saving Water on the Lawn

  • Give the sprinkler a rest sometimes - in Texas, we tend to water our lawns too often and too long.
  • Inch toward conservation - apply no more than an inch of water per week. This will encourage deeper root systems and healthier grass.
  • Cycle and soak to avoid run-off - it takes a while for water to soak into clay soils. Try running zones in shorter bursts, with one hour between cycles. Learn more about using the cycle and soak option HERE.
  • Check your irrigation system regularly - fix leaks or damaged sprinkler heads and make sure they're aimed at the landscape, and not the street or sidewalk.
  • Don't cut your grass too short - taller grass holds moisture better and slows down evaporation.
  • Sign up for FREE weekly watering advice to help manage how much to water your lawn

Saving Water Around the Yard

  • Opt for drip irrigation - for flower beds, ground cover, vegetable gardens and container plants.
  • Add some mulch - a three to four-inch layer in the flower beds or around trees and shrubs will help retain moisture.
  • Grow native and adaptive plants - these thrive on less water, can take the Texas heat and are easier to maintain. Learn more at txsmartscape.com.
  • Need to wash your car? - take it to a car wash that uses a water recycling system. If you do wash at home, use a bucket of water and a hose with a nozzle on it to stop flow between rinsing.

Saving Water Indoors

  • Fix leaking faucets and toilets - it's easy and can save you thousands of gallons of water per year.
  • Test your toilet for leaks - place a few drops of food coloring in the tank and wait 15-20 minutes. If you see color in the bowl, you have a leak.
  • Replace older toilets with high efficiency models and you could lower your home's water use by 15 percent.
  • Take a shower instead of a bath - a bath can use more than twice much water as a 10-minute shower.
  • Switch to low-flow shower heads, and install aerators on your faucets.
  • Turn the faucet off while brushing your teeth or shaving, which can save up to two more gallons.
  • Wait until your dishwasher or washing machines are full before you run them to save both water and energy.
  • Don't rinse your dishes before you put them in the dishwasher - scraping instead of rinsing can save you 10 or more gallons per load.

Register for the Online WaterSmart Customer Portal

WaterSmart helps you track your home's water use with an easy-to-use digital portal, and provides you with the tools to manage your water use:

  • View your home's water use.
  • Get personalized actions on ways to save water.
  • See how your water use compares to similar homes.
  • Sign up for leak alerts and notifications to take control of your water use.
  • Get access to tips and tricks to help you conserve water.

Using the account number listed on your water bill, log on to mansfieldwater.watersmart.com to register and get started. Questions? Contact Utility Billing customer service at 817-276-4230.

Take the Pledge

Join takecareoftexas.org in keeping our air and water clean, conserving water and energy, and reducing waste by to Take Care of Texas. The pledge signifies your commitment to protecting the Texas environment with everyday actions. To thank you for your pledge, they will mail you a FREE Texas State Parks Guide and sticker. Take the pledge today.

More Ways to Save

Visit wateruseitwisely.com and savetarrantwater.com for even more water-saving tips, special events and classes.