Water conservation matters in Oklahoma because our water resources are limited — and must support both today’s needs and those of future generations.
“With abnormally dry conditions across much of the state, and some portions of Oklahoma facing extreme drought, it’s important for everyone to do their part to conserve water,” says Kevin Wagner, Ph.D., the Oklahoma Water Resources Center director at Oklahoma State University.
The City of Oklahoma City Utilities Department’s Water Conservation Specialist, Kelsey Whorton, agrees that water conservation is critical.
“By using water wisely, we protect our rivers, lakes and groundwater while ensuring a reliable supply for homes, businesses and communities across the state,” she says.
Whorton says the two most common causes of high water bills are leaking toilets and broken or inefficient automatic irrigation systems, but adds that families can save thousands of gallons annually by incorporating certain habits.
“It is estimated that homeowners use two to four times more water in the summer,” says Wagner. “But conserving water year-round supports reliable water supplies throughout Oklahoma. Some things you can do are fix leaking faucets and fixtures, and implement water-conserving lawn and landscape strategies.”
Whorton mentions that conserving water inside can be simple.
“Turn off the faucet while you brush your teeth, shorten your showers and make sure you run the dishwasher or clothes washer only when you have a full load. Regularly check around your home for water leaks and make repairs to avoid surprise high water bills. Upgrade water-using appliances and fixtures to more water-efficient models.”
Small leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water monthly, and Wagner says that “according to the EPA, a leaky faucet that drips at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year. A leaking toilet can waste 15,000 gallons of water per month.”
Around your home’s exterior, make sure to regularly check automatic irrigation systems for leaks or broken parts, excessive run times and hidden programs.
“Often, reducing run time, or number of days per week that you water your lawn, can save thousands of gallons per month with little impact to your lawn’s health,” says Whorton. “Incorporating more drought-tolerant and native plant species is a way to reduce water use outdoors. These plants have adapted to our climate and can withstand periods of dry conditions.”
Outdoor water use in Oklahoma accounts for about 30% of residential water use, according to Wagner, who says that “mulching and using drip irrigation to water flowerbeds and using new irrigation technology can curb outdoor water use and save money.”
Where to Learn More
“Water conservation, whether from producers or homeowners, is increasingly important for many areas of Oklahoma,” says Wagner. “Areas like the Ogallala Aquifer have seen declining water levels for years, highlighting practices such as the OSU Extension’s Master Irrigation Program, which provides advanced training on irrigation water management and water conservation.”
OSU’s Oklahoma Water Resources Center has tips for everything from preparing pipes for winter, water conservation year round, and ways to check for leaks, to the latest information and research.
For a DIY sprinkler system checkup, or how to efficiently program an irrigation controller, go to SqueezeEveryDrop.com.
