While some parts of Texas are preparing to introduce treated waste water into their drinking water supply, San Antonio has kept the water flowing thanks to strict conservation measures enacted over 10 years ago. Restrictions on residential water use, combined with incentives for businesses that replace water-guzzling plumbing fixtures and systems with newer, water-wise options have drastically reduced water use in the city. Today, San Antonians use about 130 gallons of water per person each day compared to the state average of 200 gallons.

At first the restrictions were deeply unpopular with local residents, but opinions have changed as the city has felt the benefits of conservation. Incentives for homeowners, like the smart "Kick the Can" toilet replacement program introduced by the San Antonio Water System, may also have helped change perceptions on water conservation. Through the program, all area homeowners became eligible for two free water-saving toilets to replace older, less efficient models.

Toilet replacement programs and rebates can have a huge impact on water savings because toilets are responsible for more than a quarter of all indoor water use. Replacing an old 3.5 gallon per flush (gpf) toilet with a new 1.6 gpf toilet can automatically cut household water use by 25%.

Similar rebates and voucher programs are available in many parts of the country. Click the link to see if water saving rebates are available in your area.