This week, the city of Dallas implemented its annual water restrictions for the summer months. The rules will be in place until Sept. 30. The idea is to keep residents from wasting water, an ever more precious resource in Texas. Though conservation alone won't be enough to take care of this region's water needs in coming decades, it has to be part of an overall solution.

According to the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission, home water use soars by 40 to 60 percent in the summer months, the majority of which goes for landscaping needs. ONLY 30 MINUTES OF WATERING THE AVERAGE YARD GUZZLES 240 GALLONS OF WATER.

Per capita, Dallas and its suburbs are among the biggest municipal water hogs in the state -- this according to 2001 data from the Texas State Data Center, the most recent numbers available. The numbers are estimates in gallons per capita daily.

Highland Park -- 356 gallons
University Park -- 251 gallons
Dallas -- 250 gallons
Richardson -- 289 gallons
Plano -- 279 gallons

By way of contrast, here are the numbers from other large Texas cities that have gotten serious about water conservation programs in recent years:

Houston -- 160 gallons
San Antonio -- 142 gallons
Austin -- 132 gallons

Daily Activities Using Startling Amounts Of Water:

Taking A Bath -- 35-40 gallons
Washing Dishes -- 10-15 gallons
Flushing Toilets -- 3-5 gallons
Taking A Shower -- 5 gallons per minute