With drought conditions only worsening, it's important that we use our limited water supplies sparingly, while ensuring that the trees that cool our city receive enough water. To reduce water waste and keep trees healthy, Austin Water is offering residential customers a meter attachment for garden hoses and hose-end sprinklers to measure water usage. The hose meters will be available for customers to check out for up to two weeks. During that time, we encourage customers to calculate how much water each tree needs and time how long your equipment needs to run to apply the recommended amount of water. Once you've calculated the time, please return the meter for the next customer.

As a general rule, distressed trees (including those experiencing drought-related symptoms such as branches dying and leaves wilting, turning brown, or dropping early) should be watered once every two weeks. The amount of water depends on the diameter of the tree. Trees less than 20 inches in diameter should receive five gallons of water per inch of diameter. A 12" tree, then, would need about 5 x 12 = 60 gal of water. Trees greater than 20 inches in diameter should receive ten gallons of water per inch of diameter.

To sign out a hose meter, please call 974-2199. For more information on keeping your trees healthy, visit the City of Austin Arborist Program at www.cityofaustin.org/trees.

Soil Moisture Meters

Make the most of your outdoor watering with a FREE soil moisture meter from Austin Water. These simple devices measure the relative moisture of your soils so you can decide when and where to apply supplemental water (allowed any day and time with a hand-held hose or can). Click here to find out more.