The organization provides clean water for around 400,000 individuals in 29 communities across Denton and Collin counties.
“We're fast becoming a leader in water conservation and watershed protection, because part of our mandate is to ensure that we have enough water for 50 years into the future,” Blake Alldredge said.
The Upper Trinity Regional Water District invites the community to participate, ensuring future generations have access to clean water through education and initiatives like Give a Drip. To pledge to water less, go here.
Here are three ways community members can get involved in the organization’s mission:
1. Follow local watering regulations
“The Environmental Protection Agency estimates roughly half of the water that we put out for irrigation during the spring and summer is wasted because individuals put too much on at one time,” Alldredge said. “The plants don’t need that much and the water ends up flowing into the street.”
Overwatering not only wastes water but can also damage lawns by promoting shallow root growth and increasing vulnerability to drought and disease.
Alldredge said that most North Texas lawns only need about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall, to stay healthy.
North Texas residents can pledge to follow the Upper Trinity Regional Water District’s guideline of watering twice per week.
2. Maintain and optimize irrigation systems
The Upper Trinity Regional Water District offers an irrigation checkup program where a licensed irrigator visits homes to assess sprinkler systems and ensure they are functioning efficiently. The specialist checks for issues such as broken sprinkler heads, misaligned nozzles, or water spraying onto streets. Additionally, they review and adjust controller settings to optimize run times, helping homeowners use water more effectively.
Alldredge said watering should be done early in the morning, ideally between 2-6 a.m., to minimize water loss from evaporation. Watering during the hottest part of the day, when it's sunny, windy and dry, can cause much of the water to evaporate before it even reaches the ground.
3. Choose drought-tolerant landscaping
Another way individuals can help conserve water is by planting native and drought-tolerant plants in their yards. Alldredge said horticulturalists at Texas A&M University encourage the Rule of Thirds in lawns: one-third turf grass, one-third flowers and shrubs, and one-third hardscape.
“Not only do these native plants require less water, but they also provide food and shelter for our local pollinators,” he said.
In addition to benefitting pollinators and saving water, planting native plants can also help individuals save money by lowering their monthly water bill.
Pledge to water less
Those who commit to Give a Drip can receive complimentary items like ain gauges and stickers, and are entered into monthly drawings for irrigation repair kits. In September, Upper Trinity Regional Water District is giving away smart irrigation controllers valued at $150 and a $500 gift card to Rooted In, a local garden center offering professional landscape consultations.
To pledge to water less, go here. Residents can sign up to receive weekly watering tips through the Upper Trinity Regional Water District’s Water My Yard program.
The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Mary Katherine Shapiro with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
