Water Conservation
The drought affects us all, from ranchers and farmers to urban citizens. We have witnessed wildfires breaking out across the state, and our lakes and rivers are lowering rapidly. Our cities and counties are implementing water restrictions, some for the first time ever.
DROUGHT MAPS
TEXAS DROUGHT RESOURCES
Drought Emergency Planning Workshops
During 2012, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) hosted drought emergency planning workshops throughout the state. The workshops provided local government officials, board members, and their water system operators information and tools to prevent and mitigate water outages. You can view the video of the presentations on this site.
Office of the State Climatologist
The Office of the State Climatologist (OSC) serves as a clearinghouse for climate information for the state of Texas. The OSC issues regular climate updates and conducts research on climate monitoring and climate prediction in Texas and the southern United States.
Texas AgriLife Extension Service Agricultural Drought Task Force
The Texas AgriLife Extension Service offers practical, how-to education based on university research.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Drought Information
Provides information to help you make better decisions about water use, including surface and groundwater regulations, and emergency procedures.
Texas Forest Service
Texas Forest Service website includes Texas wildfire updates, along with wildfire prevention tools, resources, and tips on caring for trees during the drought.
Texas Water Development Board
Drought resources page that describes the Texas Water Development Board’s role in monitoring the drought and providing assistance, along with monitoring current conditions in Texas.
Texas Weather Connection
This site is a collection of weather products derived from real-time weather data. The site includes the Keetch-Byram Drought Index and Texas Fire Danger map.
WATER CONSERVATION TIPS & TOOLS
Water University
Water University by Texas A&M University provides for the general public as well as numerous professional courses related to water conservation and water use efficiency.
H2O Conserve
Calculate your water footprint, along with learning over 75 water saving tips.
How to Reduce your Bottled Water Footprint
Eating local saves water, but might not be possible 100% of the time for everyone in the U.S., with seasonal vegetables and the need to import things like bananas and coffee. However, almost everyone can reduce their water footprint by drinking local. Here are some tips on how to reduce your bottled water footprint.
Take Care of Texas Water Conservation Tips
Learn 10 easy conservation tips, along with rainwater harvesting information and conservation programs and resources.
Texas Water Restrictions List
List of Texas Public Water Systems limiting usage to avoid shortages. Search by county and neighborhood to see if there are water restrictions being imposed in your area.
Water IQ – Know Your Water
The Water IQ: Know your Water is a statewide public awareness water conservation program. Through Water IQ, the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) provides information on water-efficient practices, raises awareness about the importance of water conservation, and helps Texans use less water.
Water Cycle Glossary of Terms
The water supply of Earth is a required element for life to exist and thrive. The water cycle is a continuous cycle that keeps water moving on and around Earth in different forms. The different stages of the water cycle include evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection. Each stage of the cycle leads to the next stage, and each stage is an important part of a process that helps to water plants, fill cisterns, dry up puddles, and remove floodwaters.
CARING FOR TREES DURING DROUGHT
Don’t Depend on Mother Nature
Article from the Texas Forest Service with timely tips and information on saving your trees.
RAINWATER TANK SIZE CALCULATOR
Click here to determine which tank you need.
To help calculate the size of the water tank you need, Bushmans has created a tank calculator that allows you to input your water usage details and find the right tank for you.