![Keeping Water in Our Rivers: Strategies for Conserving Limited Water Supplies](https://www.infrastructureusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Screen-shot-2013-04-03-at-3.36.01-PM.png)
ENVIRONMENT TEXAS
Texans know what a precious resource water is. During the drought that started in 2011, citizens responded to the water shortage by curtailing their water use. They abided by outdoor watering restrictions, watching lawns and landscapes wither and 5.6 million urban trees die due to lack of water. In Midland, outdoor watering use was restricted to just two hours per week by hand. To reduce other water use, the city increased rates five-fold for the biggest water users.