Carrollton, like many area cities, has been working diligently to reduce per capita water consumption, both yearround and especially during the summer peak months. Accordingly, Carrollton has adopted new strategies that will attempt to shift water customer’s focus from not just how often one waters their landscape, but also how much water is used. Analysis of residential water consumption during the summer months showed that only about 25% of all residences in Carrollton used more than 25,000 gallons per month and yet these households used 46% of all the residential water consumed. Reducing the summertime consumption of these high residential users even 5% to 10% could result in huge reductions in the city’s daily peaking. In an effort to raise conservation awareness, the city reviews and updates its water rates, with rates typically increasing year over year. The intent of the increases is to encourage our customers to reduce their water usage and thus avoid paying the higher rates. Another benefit is the ability for residents to find leaks in their irrigation systems that may be a constant waste of water. Based on the success of our 2007 sprinkler system inspection pilot and the program continuation since that time, the program provides homeowners with tools they can use to reduce consumption without sacrificing their yard and landscape.
