PECOS COUNTY FRESH WATER

     Water is a valuable resource that we all should avoid wasting.  Dripping faucets, running toilets and other leaks waste water and can add up considerably over a month.  Checking for and fixing problems in a timely manner can save not only water, but money as well.  Note how many gallons are lost at 40 pounds pressure with even the smallest leaks:

• A 1/32" leak wastes 180 gallons in 24 hours
• A 1/16" leak wates 690 gallons in 24 hours
• A 1/8" leak wastes 2,760 gallons in 24 hours
• A 1/4" leak wastes 11,030 gallons in 24 hours

• Install low flow showerheads.  They use 30-70% less water and still provide an invigorating shower.
• Limit showers to 5 minutes.
• Fill the bathtub only half way.
• Low-flow or air assisted commodes can save up to 70% of toilet water use.  If you cannot replace your toilet, place a 1/2 gallon plastic jug of water or a toilet dam in your tank.  This can cut water use by 20%.  Do not use bricks - they fall apart and can plug your system.
• Check your commode for leaks by putting a small amount of food coloring into the tank.  Wait 10 minutes and check the bowl for the presence of colored water.  If the water in the bowl is colored, a leak is present that needs to be repaired.
• Repair all plumbing leaks immediately.  Small drips can waste up to 2 gallons of water per hour.
• Install low-flow aerators in the bathroom and kitchen sinks, saving approsimately 50% water usage without compromising performance.
• Turn the water off while brushing your teeth or shaving.
• If you wash your car at home, use a cut-off nozzle or turn the water off while washing.
• In the kitchen, choose a water saving dishwasher, which can reduce water use by 30%.  And, be sure the dishwasher is full before running it.
• Compost food scraps instead of running the garbage disposal.
• Insulate your water heater and hot water pipes so you avoid running water to get delivery of hot water.

• Set your water sprinkler timer to water between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 am.
• Check for broken and/or misaligned sprinkler heads after mowing.  Be sure that you are not watering buildings, driveways, sidewalks or the street.
• Repair or replace damaged sprinkler components with original parts.
• Use DRIP IRRIGATION to water trees, shrubs, and landscape beds.
• Level all sprinkler heads to grade to prevent spray blockage or tripping hazards.
• Fine tune watering times for each station to account for different watering requirements due to exposure, shade, sprinkler output, and plant requirements.
• Water deeply but infrequently to develop deep root structure.
• To eliminate runnoff, cycle your sprinkler timer for graduated start times to allow water absorption - i.e. 3 cycles of 5 minutes instead of one 15 minute cycle.
• Develop a separate watering schedule for trees, shrubs and flowerbeds.
• Amend soils with organic materials to encourage better water absorption and storage.
• Mulch beds and trees with organic or inorganic materials to reduce moisture evaporation from soil by up to 50%.
• Choose drought tolerant or native plants which require less water to maintain.
• Avoid over-fertilizing which creates excessive growth and water needs.
• Use slow-release fertiizers in the spring/summer and quick release fertilizer in the fall.
• Adjust mowing heights of grass in the summer to:                                                                                  Bermuda grass - 1 1/2"                                                                                                                      Zoysia - 2"                                                                                                                                          Fescue, St. Augustine and Buffalo grass - 3"