We are well on our way into Summer.  Here in Central Texas, we've already had some daily high temperatures reaching into the upper 90s! That's why I'm extra thankful for the cooler nights that have returned, accompanied by breezy, cloudy days in the 80s. That just feels "right" for this time of year...

As we inch our way toward the first of the three "high-heat" months of Summer (June, July, August), let's begin also to inch our awareness toward "high respect" for water. Not only is summer our hottest season, it's also our driest. Most everyone goes in search of some cool water to rest into. Texas is blessed with multiple rivers and lakes that are perfect for just that kind of relaxation and fun; we are fortunate to have them.

I'm especially excited to have them so full and beautiful this year, since we've been in a several-year drought until recently that didn't allow for such summer pleasure. And whether we get to enjoy them just for now or for the entire summer season is something we cannot know.  A few hot, sunny days without rain during a Texas summer can mean the end of fun in the natural waterways.

But all that aside, the point is that it's time for us to heighten our awareness around our own personal water usage, and to do what we can to be proactive, respectful, conscientious, and conservative in our water  usage choices. Just by being a responsible water user, you can help avoid water rations later in the season. Here are some simple ways to respect the water you have access to:

1. Turn off the faucet while washing hands and brushing teeth.

2. Use dishwashers and clothes washers only when you have a full load.

3. Let your car be dirty; it's a sign that you are being "water wise."

4. Follow water usage restrictions set in place by your city during times of drought (get a head start!).

5. Take short showers or baths (which generally use less water than showers).

6. If you don't drink water at a restaurant, tell them when they bring it to you so they can give it to someone else rather than waste it.

7. Repair leaky faucets and sinks.

8. "Save the flush" in your toilet for the next person - close the lid until a few of you have used it to pee. At our house, we have a saying: "If it's brown, flush it down; if it's yellow, let it mellow." Or, convert to a low-flow, water-saving toilet and save money on water bills too.

9. Install low-flow shower heads.

10. Model for your kids how to respect their access to water.

We are  blessed to have such easy access to clean water for all of our personal needs. We tend to take advantage or forget to be respectful, conscientious, and conservative with water until it becomes scarce. Let's be proactive instead; let's be good water stewards this season!

Thanks, and peace be.