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A Water Conservation Message from Julia J.
Hunt, P.E.
Director, Arlington Water Utilities
Save Water, Save Money
Every drop of water you save makes a difference
to the future of the water supply in Texas. Did you know that
the population of North Texas is expected to double by 2060? A
significant portion of the future water supply will result from
conservation. Arlington residents have made great strides over
the past few years in conservation efforts. Honoring the 10AM to
6PM water limitation has resulted in a lower demand on Arlington's
infrastructure during peak water demand times. This reduces the
amount of money needed for increasing the size of the distribution
system.
There are other conservation measures that can
make a difference. Installing low flow fixtures in your home is
an effective way to reduce your water consumption and save money.
For example, replacing a 5-7 gallon/flush toilet (found in plumbing
constructed prior to 1979) with a 1.6 gallon/flush or lower flow
toilet, can save the average resident 27,000 gallons of water per year
or approximately $150 per year in water and sewer charges.
Did you know that 40-45% of water used by Arlington's customers is
used for irrigating lawns, turfs and landscaping plants? Here
are some ideas for saving water year-round.
Five Days, One Inch
Watering your lawns once every 5 days to a depth of 1 inch promotes a
deep root system and avoids a dependency on frequent watering.
Rain, Rain, Sprinklers Off
Install a rain and freeze sensor to
automatically shut your sprinkler controller off when it rains or
freezes. All commercial and apartment irrigation systems must be
equipped with rain and freeze sensors. Residential irrigation
systems installed after January 1, 2007 must also be equipped with
rain and freeze sensors.
Water Smart with SmartScape
Texas SmartScape can help you design a beautiful
landscape with native and adaptive plants that will save money and
water.
http://www.txsmartscape.com
Mulch and Mow High
Place 3-4 inches of mulch in your flower beds
and mow your grass clippings into your lawn to retain moisture and
grow healthier plants. Set your mowing heights at 3 or 4 inches
for lawns that require less water.
Six to Ten, Watering Wins
Water after 6PM or before 10AM to avoid losing
50% or more of your water to evaporation. Watering is prohibited
from 10AM to 6PM year-round.
Water Rocks - Not!
Adjust sprinklers to keep water off of sidewalks
and streets.
The City of Arlington
appreciates your commitment to conserving water and we encourage you
to save water and money by changing your water use habits today.
For more information about
this message, send us an e-mail at
water@arlingtontx.gov or call
817-459-6600. Together, we can ensure a reliable water supply
for future generations.
Watering Nixed Ten to
Six Year-Round
 Year-Round
Watering Restrictions 10am - 6pm
Except for hand watering and
the use of soaker hoses, it shall be unlawful for any person to
irrigate, water, or cause or permit the irrigation or watering of any
lawn or landscape located on premises owned, leased, or managed by
that person between the hours of 10:00AM and 6:00PM.
Rain
and Freeze Sensor Requirements
(1) Effective January 1, 2007 all irrigation systems
installed within the City must be equipped with rain and freeze
sensors in number and type established and published by the Director of Utilities.
This requirement applies to all commercial and
residential properties.
(2) Any irrigation system installed before January 1, 2007, may not be
operated after March 4, 2007 without being equipped with rain and
freeze sensors in number and type established and published by the
Director of Utilities. This
retrofitting requirement does not apply to a
single family residential or duplex property, or an individually metered townhome or condominium unit.
The above amendments were approved by City Council on November 28,
2006. Violations of the ordinance can result in fines up to
$500.
Ordinance 06-109
(pdf)
Approved Rain and
Freeze Sensor List (pdf)
New Irrigation Rules Effective January 1, 2009
As mandated by the Texas Legislature, the City of Arlington
recently approved Ordinance 08-108 creating a landscape
irrigation program that includes permitting, minimum design standards,
and inspections for all new and expanded lawn irrigation systems.
The new ordinance requires irrigation permits for new installations
and additions of sprinkler heads and/or zone valves to existing
irrigation systems. An irrigation permit is not required if you
are replacing a sprinkler head with a new sprinkler head in the same
location.
Because 50% of all treated water is used for irrigation and it
is estimated that up to half of that water is lost to leaks,
evaporation, and runoff, the new rules will help meet the projected
water demands of the State of Texas in the future. Efficient
irrigation systems combined with the proper seasonal
watering schedule can save a significant amount of water and money.
The landscape irrigation program will be managed through the One Start
Center by the Building Inspections department. To view the new
irrigation rules scroll down to "Irrigation Ordinance" under "Current
adopted codes and ordinances" here:
Codes and Ordinances.
WaterSense
Developed by the EPA to promote water-efficient devices and
services. Click the icon below for more information.
Remember:
Seasons Change and So Should Your Watering Schedule
No Outdoor Watering 10 a.m. to 6 p.m
Year Round
What is the difference between conservation planning and drought
management?
The City of Arlington and
the City's primary water supplier, Tarrant Regional Water District,
work closely together to develop and implement water conservation
and drought management plans to make possible an adequate supply of
water today and in the future. Although a water conservation
and drought management plan may appear to be the same, there are
differences between the plans that benefit the community and region
when put into practice.
Water Conservation Plan
Implemented full-time; permanent
Long-term response to efficient water use and supply
Drought Contingency Management Plan
Implemented during times of crisis, such as droughts
Short-term response to a water supply shortage
As annual and seasonal
climate varies, it is important to have an on-going water
conservation plan in place to better be prepared for drought
conditions in the future. The City of Arlington is dedicated
to the practice and promotion of the efficient use of our valuable
water supply and encourages all residents to be mindful of their
water usage.
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