Killeen Residents are Asked to Conserve water

Yes. it's winter but Killeen residents are asked to cut back on water usage.Bell County Water Control and Improvement District #1 has entered stage 1 of its drought contingency plan. The City of Killeen, which receives its water from the district, is asking residents to voluntarily conserve.

Here are some  tips to reduce daily water usage:

Repair leaky faucets, fixtures, and pipes

Turn water off while washing dishes, brushing teeth, or shaving

Use garbage disposal sparingly, compost vegetable scraps and yard waste instead

Scrape dishes instead of rinsing before placing them in the dishwasher

Rinse produce in a pan of water then reuse remaining water on household plants

Keep a container of water in the refrigerator instead of running water until it is cold

Check toilets for leaks by adding food coloring to the tank; if color appears in the bowl, you have a leak

Take showers instead of baths

Install low-flow shower heads, reduce shower time or install a cutoff valve

Wash only full loads of laundry when possible, or use the lowest water level setting for light or partial loads

Use cold water for laundry as often as possible to save energy

Use sprinklers that produce large drops of water instead of mist

Set sprinkler systems to water 1 inch every 5 days

Adjust sprinkler heads that are spraying sidewalks, driveways, or streets

Use drip irrigation for flower beds, shrubs and trees

Condition soil with mulch or compost to retain moisture

Set lawnmower on higher setting; taller grass retains more moisture

Use a bucket of water to wash vehicles and only turn on hose for rinsing

Do not water driveways, streets or sidewalks