EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)–As water bills start drawing closer attention this time of year, experts say conservation shouldn\u2019t be seasonal <\/p>\n
El Paso Water\u2019s TecH2O Center teaches residents cut their water use, their bills and provides the tools to to help.<\/p>\n
Jennifer Barr, water conservation manager for El Paso Water, says those extra minutes can cost you, having a five-minute shower timer is one simple tool to keep you aware.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt just reminds you that you can do it all in five minutes,\u201d Barr said, adding that even people with long hair can wash up within that time.<\/p>\n
Barr said TecH2O offers several free conservation tools, including 1.5-gallon-per-minute shower heads.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey feel just like a regular showerhead, but they use less water,\u201d she said. The center also provides faucet aerators, small inserts that disperse water more efficiently and reduce overall use while maintaining water pressure.<\/p>\n
In the summer, water use typically increases because of landscaping and pools. Barr said a common misconception she hears is that using more water in the winter will lower summer bills but that\u2019s false.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you use less than four CCF per month, you\u2019re actually reducing your water bill by about $15,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
While Tech H2O is open to everyone, Barr said the center focuses heavily on educating children.<\/p>\n
\u201cThose kids are the ones teaching their parents and grandparents,\u201d she said. \u201cIf someone leaves the water running while brushing their teeth, kids notice and they share that message with the whole family.\u201d<\/p>\n
Barr said small habits, like switching from an eight-minute shower to a five-minute one, can make a meaningful difference across the community.<\/p>\n