In recognition of the difficulties drought can pose, the Environmental Protection Agency offers the following tips to homeowners to ensure that water is available to meet critical needs.
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Conserving water during drought
As of Sunday, July 2, the city of San Marcos implemented Stage 3 drought restrictions in response to dropping aquifer levels. Stage 3 is implemented when the 10-day average Edwards Aquifer index well falls below 640 feet above mean sea level. According to the website, the 10-day average aquifer level as of June 26 was at 638.5 feet, with a daily reading of 636.4 feet.
In light of the difficulties drought can pose, the Environmental Protection Agency offers the following tips to homeowners to ensure that water is available to meet critical needs.
During a period of drought, it’s important to learn about local water restrictions. Currently, the city of San Marcos has water restrictions in place. These are designed to ensure water is available to fight fires and meet other critical needs. Adherence to these restrictions, despite how difficult they may seem, helps keep the community safe. To view the full list of Stage 3 drought restrictions for San Marcos, visit the city’s website at sanmarcostx. gov/3704/Conservation-Drought.
Another conversation measure is to check interior and exterior faucets and pipes for leaks. Repairing these immediately can help conserve water during times of restriction. Additionally, upgrading outdated toilets, tubs and sinks can go a long way to saving water. The EPA estimates that low-flow toilets can reduce water consumption by as much as 60% each year. This saves consumers money while also conserving water during drought.
The EPA also reports that an estimated 50% of the water used outdoors in irrigation and watering is lost to evaporation, wind or runoff due to overwatering. The EPA recommends watering in the early morning or in the evening hours after the sun goes down to prevent water loss to evaporation.
Stage 3 drought restrictions in San Marcos advise that irrigation with hoseend sprinklers is allowed only one day every other week beginning on the second Monday after Stage 3 has been declared. Irrigation with automatic sprinkler systems is allowed only one day every other week, between the hours of 8 p.m. on the designated weekday and 4 a.m. on the following day.
Irrigation with a soaker hose and drip irrigation systems is allowed on any day during designated usage times.
For more information about responsible water conservation, visit the EPA’s WaterSense webpage at epa.gov/watersense.
