Adapting Water Conservation Strategies for a Growing Population
As Tarrant County faces a moderate drought, local water officials are working to enhance current conservation programs and explore new strategies to meet the region’s long-term water needs. With the county’s population projected to nearly double in the coming decades, the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) is taking a proactive approach to ensure sustainable water management.
“We’re constantly looking at our population growth and our water needs in the future,” said Dustan Compton, the TRWD’s conservation manager. “We’re planning, not just five years out or 10, we’re looking 50 years out.”
The latest drought conditions have prompted the district to reevaluate its water conservation plan, which was last updated in 2013. While the region’s reservoirs and lakes remain at 90% capacity, the TRWD aims to further reduce water consumption and make the most of its existing infrastructure.
“Drought is a part of life here in Texas,” Compton emphasized. “We lose more water to evaporation than we actually use. So water conservation helps keep more water in our lakes, helps prolong our water supplies, and makes more water available during a drought.”
Targeting Outdoor Water Use
A key focus for the TRWD is addressing the significant amount of water lost to outdoor use, which can account for up to 50% of total household consumption. The district has found success with programs that help residents improve the efficiency of their sprinkler systems, an area with tremendous potential for savings.
“The biggest bang for our buck is really outdoor water use,” Compton explained. “We want to just encourage people to understand that every time a sprinkler system comes on, it’s thousands of gallons that gets used. A lot of times there’s water running down the street or watering the sidewalk.”
Through the district’s free residential sprinkler checkup program, TRWD representatives have conducted nearly 3,000 site visits this year alone, providing homeowners with personalized recommendations to reduce water waste. The program has been a major part of the district’s conservation efforts, helping to drive down per-person water use from 176 gallons per day to 151 gallons over the past 15 years.
Looking ahead, the TRWD plans to collaborate more closely with homeowner associations to develop and distribute resources that empower residents to better manage their outdoor water usage. Compton also mentioned the potential for new rebate programs that could provide financial incentives for adopting water-efficient landscaping or upgrading irrigation systems.
Enhancing Public Engagement and Partnerships
In addition to optimizing outdoor water use, the TRWD is prioritizing stronger public engagement and partnerships with its customer cities. The district recognizes the value of educating the community about the origins of their water supply and the importance of supporting local water infrastructure.
“We have young people that are growing up, we have people moving here from different parts of the state or the country, and they don’t really know our local soils, what grows here or where our water comes from,” Compton said. “We want to know what their residents would like to see or what would support our customer cities and their conservation efforts, and just continue to build those relationships moving forward so we can make real change over the next 10, 15, 20 years even.”
By fostering closer collaboration with municipalities, the TRWD aims to leverage the direct connections that cities have with their residents. This two-way exchange of information and feedback can help shape future conservation programs and ensure they are tailored to the unique needs of local communities.
Preparing for Future Droughts and Growth
As Tarrant County continues to experience population growth, the TRWD is taking a proactive, long-term approach to water management. By enhancing current conservation strategies and exploring new initiatives, the district is working to future-proof the region’s water supplies.
“If we can reduce the waste of water outdoors, that will help lower the demand of water that we need as well as help us use the infrastructure that we already have in place to get more life out of it as well,” Compton said.
The TRWD’s efforts to engage the public, partner with cities, and target outdoor water use are all part of a comprehensive strategy to prepare for the challenges of drought and continued growth. By empowering residents and optimizing water conservation, the district aims to ensure a sustainable water future for Tarrant County.
To learn more about the Tarrant Regional Water District’s water conservation initiatives, visit https://jointactionforwater.org/.
Innovative Approaches to Water Conservation
Beyond the TRWD’s efforts, communities across Texas are exploring innovative ways to conserve water and build resilience in the face of drought. Some examples include:
Rainwater Harvesting and Greywater Reuse
Many municipalities are encouraging residents to install rainwater harvesting systems and greywater reuse systems to reduce the demand on municipal water supplies. These technologies capture and repurpose water that would otherwise go to waste, helping to supplement outdoor irrigation and indoor non-potable uses.
Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
Incentive programs that promote the use of native, drought-resistant plants and xeriscaping can significantly reduce the amount of water required for landscape maintenance. By transitioning away from thirsty lawns and ornamental plants, communities can lower their outdoor water consumption.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure
The implementation of smart water meters and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) allows utilities to provide detailed water usage data to customers. This empowers residents to monitor their consumption and make more informed decisions about water conservation.
Wastewater Reuse and Recycling
Some communities are investing in wastewater treatment and recycling systems that enable the reuse of treated effluent for irrigation, industrial processes, or groundwater recharge. By closing the water cycle, these initiatives reduce freshwater withdrawals and increase water supply resilience.
As Tarrant County and other regions in Texas grapple with the impacts of drought, a diverse array of water conservation strategies will be crucial to ensuring a sustainable water future. By embracing innovation and fostering community engagement, local officials can help build a more resilient and water-secure tomorrow.
Conclusion
The Tarrant Regional Water District’s proactive approach to water conservation underscores the importance of adapting to changing conditions and preparing for long-term challenges. By enhancing current programs, exploring new initiatives, and strengthening partnerships, the district is positioning Tarrant County to better manage drought and accommodate future population growth.
As the region continues to face the realities of a changing climate, the TRWD’s commitment to water conservation serves as a model for other communities. By empowering residents, optimizing infrastructure, and planning for the future, local officials can ensure the availability of this critical resource for generations to come.
