Beat the summer heat and save water with our top water conservation tips. Learn how to reduce your water usage and potentially save on your water bill.

Summer in Houston means fun in the sun and the pool, but that could mean a higher water bill is in store. With the scorching heat of Houston’s summer months, water conservation is essential for the planet and your wallet. Preserve this precious resource and potentially save money on your water bill by following these four practical tips during the summer and throughout the year.

Tip 1: Water Your Lawn Wisely

During summer, lawns often require additional watering due to the hot weather. However, watering your lawn wisely is crucial to avoid wasting water. One effective way to conserve water is to water your lawn during the cooler parts of the day, such as the early morning, when the evaporation rate is lower. Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day when water can quickly evaporate before it reaches the roots of your plants. Also, consider using a rain gauge to measure how much water your lawn needs and adjust your watering schedule accordingly to avoid overwatering.

Tip 2: Use a Pool Cover

If you have a swimming pool, using a pool cover is a simple yet effective way to conserve water. Evaporation is a significant factor in water loss from swimming pools, especially during hot summer days. When using a pool cover, you can reduce water evaporation by up to 95%, preventing the frequent need to add extra water. Not only does this help conserve water, but it also reduces the time and money spent on pool maintenance.

Tip 3: Wash Cars Sensibly

Washing cars at home with a hose can use a significant amount of water. Instead, consider washing your car at a professional car wash that recycles water. Most car washes have water-efficient systems that recycle and reuse water, reducing water consumption. If you prefer to wash your car at home, use a bucket of soapy water and a sponge, and use the hose only for rinsing. Another method is to utilize a nozzle to control the flow when needed. These methods can help conserve significant water compared to leaving the hose running while washing the car.

Tip 4: Use a Broom to Clear Debris

When it comes to outdoor cleaning tasks, such as clearing debris from your driveway, patio, gutters, or sidewalks, use a broom instead of water. Using a hose to clean outdoor spaces can lead to unnecessary water wastage. Sweeping with a broom is a water-efficient and effective way to clean outdoor areas without using water.

Join Us In Safeguarding Water Quality and Reducing Waste

Aside from the conservation tips above, leaks represent the primary cause of water waste. Be sure to check your toilets, sinks and other sources of water for leaks. Greenwood Utility District takes leaks seriously and wants to repair damaged public infrastructure immediately to ensure safe drinking water is available to its residents and to mitigate any water waste. If you notice any leaking fire hydrants, pipes, or other public facilities, please report them promptly to (281) 290-6500.

Many projects are happening in our district this year, and we want to ensure you know what is to come and who to contact for more information. You can always check our website or attend a meeting for the latest updates.

Greenwood Board of Directors

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Upcoming Meetings

Join us for our monthly meetings on the third Wednesday of each month. Never been to a meeting? Public comments are taken at the beginning. Arrive early and voice your concerns or ask questions about your water and wastewater services.

View Schedule

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READ THE LATEST NEWS FROM GREENWOOD UD

Harris County Flood Control Projects – 2023

In response to flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey, Harris County Flood Control District tasked engineers to assess areas around the city that could improve with upgraded drainage systems. HCFCD selected three projects in Greenwood UD. Subdivisions impacted by the upcoming construction include Evergreen Villas, Hidden Meadow, and Parkway.

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Harris County Flood Control District Selects Three Projects in Greenwood UD

In response to the flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey, Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) assessed areas where upgraded drainage could potentially help mitigate future flooding events. Recently, HCFCD selected three projects in Greenwood UD to help improve drainage and reduce the risk of flooding in the Evergreen Villas, Hidden Meadow, and Parkway subdivisions. Funding and oversight for these projects are directed through HCFCD. Learn more about the upcoming construction of these three projects and their positive impact on the surrounding area below.

Evergreen Villas project

The Evergreen Villas proposed project will upgrade the underground storm sewers under East Little York Road and reconfigure the Hidden Meadow Phase II Detention Pond from a dry-bottom to a wet-bottom pond. Expanding the storm sewers and reconfiguring the detention pond will increase water storage.

Hidden Meadow project

The Hidden Meadow proposed improvement plans include the expansion of storm sewers near the park on Montclair Bend Ln. The upgrades should help alleviate flooding from the front sections of Hidden Meadow, which were impacted by Hurricane Harvey flooding. The subdivision will see the revision of the Hidden Meadow Phase I Detention Pond into a wet-bottom pond. These improvements should help with drainage and increase water storage.

Parkway project

The proposed plans for Parkway include expanding the trunk line along Park Trail Dr. and constructing a new detention pond across Tidwell Rd. from the subdivision. The detention pond will feature a trail and benches, allowing residents to enjoy outdoor recreation. The Parkway flood control expansion should help reduce flooding in the area while providing an amenity for the surrounding communities.

What residents can expect: timeline and traffic impacts

Construction is expected to start in late 2023, and during the construction period, there may be changes to traffic patterns on certain roads.

Construction of the Evergreen Villas project will impact East Little York Road from Montclair Bend Ln. to Leafy Autumn Path. This road will be subject to lane closures during certain hours of the day while work is underway while crews work to improve the drainage system.

The Hidden Meadow subdivision project will impact Montclair Bend Ln., Tyneglen Ln., Hidden Rose Ln., and Meadow Bend Terrace Ln. You can expect closures to help facilitate storm sewer construction along these roads.

The Parkway project will cause traffic impacts on the entire footprint of the subdivision, including Park Trail Dr. Closures and detours are necessary during construction, so drivers will need to plan their trips accordingly. Additionally, side street lane closures off of Park Trail Dr. are imminent.

The community should expect some traffic and water service disruptions during construction, but HCFCD is confident that the outcome will be worth it. When complete, these projects should help reduce flooding risk and improve drainage in the area.

Start dates of these projects have not been finalized, but you can continue to check the Greenwood website for the latest news. Once projects start, HCFCD will be coordinating the project and field all community concerns regarding the construction projects. We will update the community with the appropriate contact information once confirmed with HCFCD.