The first-ever North Texas Outdoor Watering Summit was a three day online conference featuring peer-to-peer learning and expert technical assistance for cities and utilities interested in implementing or adapting programs to reduce outdoor watering.
Smart, practical outdoor watering schedules are the most cost-effective tool Texas utilities have to deal with the coming decades of unprecedented population growth. While the immediate focus was on North Texas, presentations and resources were pitched towards any utility interested in implementing or improving programs to reduce outdoor watering.
Many North Texas cities have yet to put in place programs to limit outdoor watering. Current population trends indicate these communities will face future water supply challenges that necessitate an extensive commitment to water conservation.
With the adoption of a no more than 2x-per-week outdoor watering schedule as well as other complimentary programs, North Texas cities are estimated to see 7% – 11% reductions in total municipal water use. Given this potential for positive change, the summit focused on how cities and utilities can implement common-sense outdoor watering schedules and maximize their water savings.

Daniel Cunningham
Horticulturist & Program Manager, Texas A&M Agrilife Research/Water University

Maureen Erbeznik
Principal, Maureen Erbeznik & Associates
Consultant, Alliance for Water Efficiency

Karen Guz
Presiding Officer, Texas Water Conservation Advisory Council
Director of Water Conservation, San Antonio Water System

Denise Hickey
Water Resource Program and Public Education Manager, North Texas Municipal Water District

Micah Reed
Water Conservation Manager, City of Fort Worth

David Turnage
Conservation Program Specialist, Austin Water

Jennifer Walker
Deputy Director, Texas Coast & Water Program, National Wildlife Federation
North Texas Outdoor Watering Summit Attendee List
From the Alliance for Water Efficiency:
Sustainable Landscapes: A Utility Program Guide
Landscape Transformation: Assessment of Water Utility Programs and Market Readiness
From Water University – Texas A&M Agrilife:
Homeowner’s Guide to Sprinkler Systems
