The City of Pearland is reporting that for three consecutive days (as of May 31), Pearland’s total daily water demands have exceeded 70% of the system’s available operating capacity.  Therefore, in accordance with the City’s Water Conservation Plan, and due to on-going drought conditions, the City is implementing the Plan’s “Stage One Drought Response”, effective June 2.  

Residents are asked to voluntarily practice water conservation by minimizing or discontinuing non-essential water use.  Ideally, outdoor watering should occur between the hours of 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. or 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Also, odd-numbered addresses are requested to water on odd dates and even-numbered addresses are requested water on even dates.  For example, 3519 Liberty Drive can water on June 3, 5, 7, etc. since the address ends in an odd number.

Please be considerate of neighbors by reducing or eliminating landscape watering on the weekends, when water system demands are at their highest.  High water usage can result in low water pressure.   

For more information about the voluntary watering schedule or the Water Conservation Plan, please call the Public Works Department at (281) 652-1900. Additionally, visit www.cityofpearland.org or tune in to Pearland CityView cable channel 16 for the latest water information.

CONSERVATION TIPS
One of the most important ways to help meet water supply demands for today and tomorrow is through conservation, which is the efficient and effective use of water. Use these simple ways to conserve water and save on water bills:

INDOORS
     • Install low volume toilets and shower heads.
     • Find and repair leaky faucets, sinks, and toilets. An average leaky toilet wastes about 200 gallons of water per day.
     • Install faucet aerators to reduce this flow.
     • When replacing a clothes washer, consider a water-efficient model.
     • Change water use patterns
     • Use the minimum amount of water needed for a bath.
     • Take shorter showers.
     • Don’t allow water to run when brushing teeth, shaving, or face washing.
     • Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily - dispose of tissues and other such waste in a trashcan rather than in the toilet.
     • Operate the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads.
     • Select the correct water level for the washing machine, if not a full load.
     • Use the shortest wash cycle for lightly soiled loads.
     • When washing dirty dishes, avoid letting the water run continuously.
     • Do not use running water to thaw frozen foods.  Instead, defrost overnight in the refrigerator or by using the microwave.
     • Fill sink halfway to rinse vegetables and fruit instead of rinsing one at a time under running water.
     • Store drinking water in the refrigerator instead of letting the tap water run waiting for cool water to flow.
     • Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it such as watering a plant or cleaning.

OUTDOORS
     • Water the lawn only when needed as dictated by rainfall.
     • Water lawns during early morning or evening hours. Lower temperatures and wind reduce evaporation loss.
     • When watering, water slowly and infrequently to promote good root growth and healthy plants.
     • Do not use sprinklers that produce a fine mist.
     • Plant drought-tolerant shrubs and trees.
     • Use mulch around trees and in flowerbeds. Mulch helps retain moisture and moderates temperature.
     • Pay attention to the garden hose. It can pour 600 gallons of water in an hour.
     • Outfit the hose with a shut-off nozzle that can be adjusted so water flows only as needed.
     • Use drip irrigation for shrubs and flowerbeds.
     • Use a broom rather than the hose to clean leaves and other debris from sidewalks and driveways.
     • Use a bucket to wash vehicles.

INGROUND IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
     • For efficient irrigation, zones are critical, and should be composed of the same kind of emitters throughout each zone.
     • Head types should not be mixed, but should instead deliver water at the same rate.     
• Check for and repair leaks.
     • Maintain sprinkler heads and valves.
     • Heads should be adjusted to prevent water from spraying onto streets, driveways, houses, or other obstructions.
     • Avoid oscillating sprinklers and sprinkler heads that produces mists or fine sprays, due to evaporation losses.
     • Adjust the irrigation controller at least once a month to account for weather changes.
     • Install a rain shut-off device, soil moisture sensor, or humidity sensor to help stop irrigation when it is not required.
     • Use the irrigation controller’s multiple-start-time feature if available, to reduce runoff and water losses.  
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