It is no secret, Texas summers are hot. This summer gave Texas its second highest recorded temperatures with the mercury rising over 100 and little or no rain.

This streak of high temperatures continued from June 13 until August 11.

Because of these conditions, Texas is officially experiencing a drought. TCU’s grass, however, remains green.

Chancellor Victor Boschini credited the new computerized auditing system for the healthy grass on campus. This system audits the ground water to determine the exact amount of water needed to water the plants.

The watering system prevents double watering of plants. It also checks the heads of each sprinkler on campus to ensure that it is watering plants and not sidewalks.

By default, TCU has employed certain kinds of grass and flowers that do not require much watering, yet another reason why the plants have survived the drought. Drought-resistant plant life is a necessity, Boschini said.

Robert Sulak of TCU’s landscaping department said that TCU hopes to save about 30 percent of its water bill over the next year with the efforts of the sprinkler system. This number could rise significantly if students and faculty contributed more to water conservation.

Although Boschini said that finding a way for students to be aware of their water usage can be a challenge, some students have already made efforts to conserve water.

Leslie Lewis, a freshman biology major, said she has begun her efforts by turning off her faucet when washing her face.

Brent Folan, a junior marketing major, uses strategies such as filling up pitchers of water to drink so water will not be wasted. In addition, he said there is a one step process to washing dishes to conserve water. That means using the same water to rinse your dishes before and after using soap. 

Both Lewis and Folan use strategies to conserve water similar to those listed on websites such as Water Use It Wisely.

For more tips on how to conserve water visit www.wateruseitwisely.com.