The WCPC campus occupies 6.1 acres, and is irrigated with three separate sprinkler systems. Typically, water for irrigation is the largest use of water. The Prayer Garden itself is 6,000 square feet. The cost of water at the church is a relatively small part of the total budget, with water bills totaling about $500 per month compared with over $3,000 per month for electricity. We are responsible for how we use this valuable and precious resource – to use water wisely, to avoid waste, to be caretakers (to take care of).

Several actions have been taken to reduce water use. Signs have been put up in restrooms and near sinks to encourage people to turn off the water. In the kitchen, we encourage use of cold water rather than hot, which reduces both water use and energy. Second, the sprinkler systems were examined for leaks and over spraying. Some sprinkler heads were replaced and adjusted, with more to be done. The sprinkler systems were essentially turned off over the “winter” season (November through March), watering only as needed.

In past years, water use has exceeded 100,000 gallons in summer months with winter use of 20,000 gallons. Fall and Spring can range from 20,000 to 60,000 gallons.

Cost — about $500 per month using an average of about 50,000 gallons. Household water use in The Woodlands averages around 10,000 gallons per month, half of which is for lawn irrigation.