Author: FBMUD 47

WaterSense – Defeating Water Waste Since 2006

WaterSense was created in 2006 to fight water waste by arming consumers and businesses across the country with high-performing, water-saving products, water conservation tips, efficient homes, and innovative programs. Since 2006, WaterSense and its more than 2,000 partner organizations have helped save 3.4 trillion gallons of water. That is enough water to supply all American households for four months! In 2018 alone, WaterSense labeled products and homes saved 725 billion gallons of water.

Along with tremendous water savings, the WaterSense program has contributed to energy and money savings on utility bills. By reducing the amount of energy needed to treat, pump, and heat water, WaterSense has helped consumers save 462.5 billion kilowatt hours of electricity, which is enough energy to power more than 44.4 million homes, in the past 12 years. In another heroic effort, WaterSense has helped save $84.2 billion on residential utility bills since 2006.

In addition to winning the war on water waste, 2018 was an action-packed year for the program, as WaterSense was formally authorized by the America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 to promote water efficiency through adoption of WaterSense labeled products and other practices. Thanks to our partner organizations who help conquer water waste each year, making this program a success!

Read the full 2018 WaterSense Accomplishments Report.

(From https://www.epa.gov/watersense/watersense-current-summer-2019#Defeating)

Get Smart About Irrigation This Summer

Did you know that of the nine billion gallons of water Americans use outdoors every day at home, about half of that is wasted by runoff, wind, and evaporation? Most outdoor water waste is a result of overwatering landscapes, which can occur when our automatic irrigation systems are not installed or programmed smartly.

Celebrate Smart Irrigation Month this July by taking time to make sure your irrigation system is up to par and operating efficiently with a few intelligent tips from WaterSense.

Try cycling and soaking—apply water in multiple shorter cycles to allow it to soak into the soil. Instead of watering your landscape for 20 minutes straight, try four 5-minute rounds with soak breaks in between. The first soak prepares the soil for subsequent cycles, making it easier for water to penetrate the soil and reach the root zone, avoiding runoff and promoting deeper roots and healthier plants.

If you’re planning some updates to your landscape, you can also try grouping plants with similar watering requirements together for greater water savings. Using “hydrozones” can reduce water usage by watering to each zone’s requirements. Hydrozones can also protect plants from overwatering or underwatering, promoting the overall health of your landscape. For example, grassy areas should be in a separate hydrozone than shrub areas because of their differing water needs. For more watering tips and efficient landscape design ideas, check out the WaterSense Water-Smart Landscapes Guide.

How you water is important, but so is when! Avoid watering when it’s raining or in the middle of the day to reduce water waste. To take the guesswork out of watering, install a WaterSense labeled irrigation controller, which works much like a thermostat for your landscape by only watering when needed. And if you need help, remember that professionals certified by WaterSense labeled professional certification programs have the skills you need to design, install, and maintain a smart irrigation system.

For more information on “hydrozones”, visit https://www.loveyourlandscape.org/expert-advice/eco-friendly-landscaping/hydrozoning/designing-a-yard-using-hydrozones/

(From https://www.epa.gov/watersense/watersense-current-summer-2019#Defeating)

Increase in Solid Waste Collection Fee

Effective January 1, 2019, the City of Missouri City (the City) is increasing the Solid Waste Collection (garbage) fee to Fort Bend County MUD 47 residents. Beginning with your January water bill, your fee for Solid Waste Collection (garbage) services will be $16.01. For additional information about Solid Waste Collection Services, please contact WCA at 281-403-5800. For detailed information, collection days, and recycling, visit https://www.missouricitytx.gov/732/Residential-Collection.