Eco-friendly Technologies

Texas’ Drought Dilemma: Recycling Sewage into Tap Water

Texas has long been at the mercy of droughts, explosive population growth, and dwindling rivers. State planners warn that without new sources, supply may fall 18% short of demand by 2070. Under a “drought of record,” Texas could lack as much as 4.7 million acre-feet (MAF) per year by 2030 – roughly 20% of projected need – rising to 6.9 MAF by 2070 if no action is taken. Cities are already feeling the pinch: West Texas and Panhandle reservoirs sit near 25% capacity, and places like Corpus Christi and Brownsville have imposed restrictions on outdoor watering and construction to stretch supplies. Rapid urban growth – Texas’ municipal demand is expected to grow 63% by 2070 – only deepens the crisis. In short, climate change and soaring demand are straining Texas’ traditional water sources (groundwater and the Rio Grande), prompting engineers to turn to bold solutions. One solution is wastewater recycling, also known as potable reuse: treating sewage so thoroughly that it meets drinking-water standards....

Texas Homeowners , Eco-friendly Technologies , Smart Plumbing Technologies , Sustainable Plumbing

Designing and Maintaining Your Outdoor Kitchen in Texas

Outdoor kitchens have become a centerpiece of Texas home life, combining the state’s love of barbecue with year-round alfresco living. In the Lone Star State’s warm climate, cooking and dining outside is a smart strategy to keep indoor heat and cooking odors at bay – as one designer notes, it lets homeowners “enjoy the pleasant Texas weather while preparing meals,” which keeps the main house cooler. A well-planned outdoor kitchen not only extends living space and boosts curb appeal, but also adds home value. In this guide, a kitchen and outdoor living expert walks Texas homeowners through practical tips for planning, designing, and caring for a weather-ready outdoor kitchen that suits the region’s climate, local lifestyles, and diverse architectural styles....

Kitchen Appliances , Home Maintenance , Texas Homeowners , Eco-friendly Technologies , Sustainable Plumbing

Texas Home Heating in an Era of Extreme Heat

As climate change pushes Texas temperatures higher, homeowners and heating professionals alike are facing a new reality. A recent Texas Tribune analysis found that record-breaking heat is becoming the new normal in Texas, with dangerous summer heat waves spreading from the Mexican border to Dallas. Over the last decade, Texas weather stations recorded over 1,600 days of record-high temperatures, more than 1,000 above the previous average. These trends aren’t limited to summer: fewer record-cold days are being observed statewide.

This climate shift has profound implications for home heating and energy use. We traditionally think of heating systems in terms of winter comfort, but hotter summers and milder winters force us to rethink home heating and energy strategies. For example, extreme heat is straining the state’s electric grid (as air conditioners run flat-out) and reducing the window for power plant maintenance. Yet this same heat can mean a shorter heating season and new choices in how we heat homes (often with all-electric systems).

In this guide, we write as heating-system professionals to help Texas homeowners adapt. We draw on Texas Tribune reporting, energy experts, and government sources to explain what record heat means for your furnace, heat pump, thermostat and insulation. We also give practical home-improvement advice — on attic ventilation, sealing ducts, and weatherization — and point out Texas-specific incentives (from federal tax credits to local utility rebates) to make those upgrades affordable. We’ll even compare what works best from the humid Gulf Coast to the dry Panhandle. Our goal is to leave you informed, empowered, and ready to make your home more comfortable and efficient in the age of extreme heat....

Texas Homeowners , Home Maintenance , Eco-friendly Technologies , Smart Plumbing Technologies , Sustainable Plumbing

Texas Water: Sources, Scarcity, and Solutions

Texas is famously big, and its water sources are diverse – but our lakes, rivers, and underground aquifers are under growing stress. In this guide from a water resource professional’s perspective, we’ll explain where Texas water comes from, how drought and demand are squeezing supplies, and what you as a homeowner can do to help. We’ll cover region-specific situations (from the Hill Country to West Texas and the Rio Grande Valley), expert insights on trends and planning, and practical conservation steps (landscaping, plumbing, restrictions) that matter in Texas cities like Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and El Paso. By the end, you’ll have a clear, detailed view of the state’s water picture and your role in safeguarding it....

Texas Homeowners , Eco-friendly Technologies , Sustainable Plumbing , Home Maintenance , Plumbing Tips