10 Easy Ways to Save Water at Home in Clearlake

Water conservation isn’t just an environmental buzzword—it’s a necessity for Clearlake residents who want to protect their community’s future. With Texas experiencing more frequent droughts and water restrictions, every drop counts. The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your entire lifestyle to make a meaningful impact.

Small changes in your daily routine can lead to significant water savings while keeping your utility bills in check. Whether you’re a longtime Clearlake resident or new to the area, these practical tips will help you contribute to our community’s water conservation goals without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Ready to become a water-saving champion? Here are 10 simple strategies you can start implementing today.

1. Fix Leaky Faucets and Running Toilets Immediately

That persistent drip might seem harmless, but it’s costing you more than you think. A single leaky faucet can waste over 3,000 gallons per year—enough to take more than 180 showers. In Clearlake’s humid climate, these leaks can also contribute to mold and moisture problems in your home.

Check your toilets regularly by adding a few drops of food coloring to the tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak that needs immediate attention. Most toilet leaks are simple fixes involving the flapper or chain mechanism.

2. Install Low-Flow Showerheads and Faucet Aerators

Upgrading to low-flow fixtures is one of the fastest ways to reduce water consumption without changing your habits. Modern low-flow showerheads use 2.5 gallons per minute or less, compared to older models that can use up to 5 gallons per minute. That’s a 50% reduction right off the bat.

Faucet aerators are even easier to install and cost less than $5 each. These simple devices mix air with water, maintaining pressure while reducing flow. Given Clearlake’s hard water conditions, choose aerators with removable screens for easy cleaning.

3. Take Shorter Showers and Skip the Bath

Cutting just two minutes from your shower time can save up to 5 gallons per shower. For a family of four, that adds up to over 7,000 gallons per year. Set a timer or play a favorite song to keep track—most songs are 3-4 minutes long, perfect for a quick, effective shower.

While baths can be relaxing after a long day, they typically use 36-50 gallons of water compared to 25 gallons for a 10-minute shower. Save baths for special occasions and stick to showers for daily hygiene.

4. Run Full Loads in Your Dishwasher and Washing Machine

Your appliances are most efficient when used at full capacity. Running your dishwasher with a full load uses less water than hand-washing the same number of dishes. Modern dishwashers use only 3-5 gallons per cycle, while hand-washing can use up to 27 gallons.

For laundry, wait until you have a full load before running your washing machine. If you must wash smaller loads, adjust the water level setting accordingly. Consider upgrading to ENERGY STAR certified appliances, which use 25% less energy and 45% less water than standard models.

5. Collect Rainwater for Garden Use

Clearlake receives about 49 inches of rainfall annually, making rainwater harvesting a smart strategy. Set up a simple rain barrel system to collect water from your gutters for garden irrigation. A 1,000-square-foot roof can collect about 600 gallons from just one inch of rainfall.

Use collected rainwater for watering plants, washing outdoor furniture, or cleaning your car. This reduces demand on treated municipal water while giving your plants naturally soft water that’s free from chlorine and other chemicals.

6. Water Your Lawn Early Morning or Evening

Timing matters when it comes to lawn irrigation. Watering during the hottest parts of the day causes significant evaporation loss—up to 50% of the water never reaches plant roots. In Clearlake’s hot, humid summers, this waste is particularly pronounced.

Water between 6-10 AM or after 6 PM when temperatures are cooler and winds are calmer. Early morning is ideal because it gives grass time to absorb water before the heat of the day, while evening watering can sometimes promote fungal growth in humid conditions.

7. Choose Native and Drought-Resistant Plants

Transform your landscape with plants that thrive in Southeast Texas conditions. Native species like Texas Sage, Lantana, and Esperanza require minimal watering once established. These plants have adapted to local rainfall patterns and soil conditions, making them perfect for water-wise gardening.

Replace water-hungry grass areas with native ground covers or create xeriscaped sections using decorative rocks and drought-tolerant plants. You’ll reduce watering needs by up to 80% while creating a unique landscape that supports local wildlife.

8. Use a Broom Instead of a Hose for Outdoor Cleaning

It’s tempting to grab the hose for quick outdoor cleanup jobs, but this habit wastes enormous amounts of water. Cleaning driveways, sidewalks, and patios with a hose can use 6-10 gallons per minute. A broom requires zero water and often does a better job of removing debris.

For stubborn stains, pre-treat with a small amount of water or cleaning solution, then scrub and sweep. Reserve the hose for tasks that truly require water, like washing your car or removing sticky substances.

9. Install a Programmable Sprinkler System with Smart Controls

Upgrade from manual watering to a smart irrigation system that adjusts based on weather conditions, soil moisture, and plant needs. These systems can reduce outdoor water use by 20-50% by preventing overwatering and eliminating the guesswork.

Look for controllers with weather-based scheduling that automatically skip watering cycles when rain is expected. Some models connect to your smartphone, allowing you to monitor and adjust watering from anywhere—perfect for Clearlake’s unpredictable weather patterns.

10. Reuse Greywater When Possible

Greywater—wastewater from sinks, showers, and washing machines—can be repurposed for irrigation with simple modifications. While you wait for shower water to heat up, collect the cold water in a bucket for plant watering. This “first-flush” water is clean and perfect for outdoor use.

Consider installing a greywater system that diverts water from your washing machine to landscape irrigation. Make sure to use biodegradable, plant-safe detergents if you plan to reuse wash water in your garden.

Start Saving Water Today

Every gallon saved contributes to Clearlake’s water security and helps ensure reliable supply for future generations. These simple changes don’t require major investments or lifestyle disruptions—just mindful adjustments to daily routines.

Start with one or two tips that seem easiest to implement, then gradually adopt more water-saving practices. Share these strategies with neighbors, friends, and family to multiply the impact across our community. Together, we can make Clearlake a model for water conservation while maintaining the quality of life we all enjoy.

Ready to take the next step? Contact the City of Clearlake for information about rebates on water-efficient appliances and fixtures. Your wallet and your community will thank you.