2025 Winner: Water Resources in Frisco, Texas
Water Resources in Frisco, Texas
Frisco, TX – Merit Award, Water Management – Planning & Analysis
SUBMITTED BY
Ron Garcia, City of Frisco, TX
PROJECT OVERVIEW
- Frisco, TX (25 miles north of Dallas) faces water management challenges due to extreme heat, drought risk, and limited precipitation.
- Outdoor irrigation accounts for over 60% of the city’s water consumption, leading to inefficiencies and waste.
- Frisco’s population has grown from 33,174 in 2000 to over 230,000 in 2024.
- The city reduced per capita water consumption from 299 to 175 gallons per capita daily (GPCD) through proactive programs, regulations, and educational outreach.
ROLE OF THE IRRIGATION CONSULTANT
- Development and implementation of the Free Sprinkler Checkup Program.
- Comprehensive rough and final inspections for new irrigation systems.
- Evaluation of microclimating, pressure regulation, distribution uniformity, and runoff mitigation.
- Use of advanced irrigation monitoring tools, including meter dashboards and drone imaging.
- Installation and management of weather stations for localized watering recommendations.
- Creation and delivery of resident-focused educational programs.
- Enforcement of the city’s water management plan through monitoring, notifications, and penalties.
- Development of innovative regulations, such as dormant-season watering restrictions.
- Collaboration with experts to refine water conservation strategies.
SPECIAL FACTORS
- Frisco’s rapid growth and severe climatic conditions require innovative water sustainability approaches.
- Tailored ordinances aligned with inspection and education programs bridge policy and practical application.
- Budgetary and time constraints, along with resident engagement and compliance, shape conservation efforts.
- Efforts aim to balance water conservation with ongoing urban development.