Dallas has a new permanent ordinance prohibiting watering with sprinklers more than twice a week.
Fort Worth is still under similar temporary restrictions after the drought last summer.
The measures are supposed to reduce the amount of water evaporating straight into the air, draining our water sources without providing a benefit.
Watering by hand or with slower, less evaporation-prone drip hoses is not restricted.
While these restrictions are normal here in broiling Texas summers, a permanent ordinance is a new thing. There have been outcries across Dallas from those worried they will lose thousands of dollars of landscaping or lower the quality of life in neighborhoods by causing trees and lawns to die.
But something has to be done.
We don’t think twice about turning on the tap to wash dishes or get a drink, but water is a limited resource. The lakes and reservoirs that supply water to Fort Worth and Dallas are drained every summer, especially after a few dozen 100-degree days. Without abundant rains to replenish them, Texas would be without water.
In the 1950s, all of Texas went eight years without adequate rain to replenish supplies. The state invested massive amounts into the water infrastructure to make sure the system met water demands.
But now, with a growing population and industry base, the demand for water is outstripping the supply.
We cannot expect the unforgiving Texas heat to let up because we want to use our sprinkler everyday. Adapting to the restrictions would be a way to help ensure Texas doesn’t turn into a desert.
According to cleanairgardening.com, a heavy watering only once a week is actually better for the lawn. It increases root growth and drought-proofs the lawn.
Fertilizing and aerating, loosening the soil, helps the lawn grow better as well without the everyday costs of watering. Aerators are available at The Home Depot and Lowe’s for as little as $20.
For free fertilizer, be a little lazy and don’t bag grass clippings. They fertilize, improve soil texture, help the grass retain water and save time.
Water is a resource we can’t live without. So we might have to change the way we use it.
