Each summer we see a spike in water use, mostly due to an increase in outdoor watering. According to the EPA, homeowners use two to four times as much water in the summer to keep their lawns green and gardens lush. Frequent refilling of swimming pools and children playing in sprinklers or with garden hoses can also contribute to higher outdoor water use. Inside, more frequent showering, kids who are home from school and summer house guests increase the amount of water used in kitchens and bathrooms.

To keep your water bill in check, encourage everyone in your family to be mindful about water and to reduce the amount that they use. Doing so can help ensure you are not surprised by higher than expected water bills this summer. Visit the city's website for tips to help keep summer water use under control.

Whether you’re looking for a new career or part-time work to supplement your income, consider a job with the City of North Richland Hills. The city has positions for a variety of skill sets and interests. Comprehensive benefits are provided for all full-time positions.

We’re looking for employees who share our core values of respect, service, productivity, integrity, responsibility, innovation and teamwork. If serving your community and making a difference interests you, view our current openings and apply today at www.nrhtx.com/jobs.

A runoff election for the Republican and Democratic Primaries will be held on Tuesday, May 24, with early voting taking place Monday - Friday, May 16 - 20. Early voting locations include St. Paul Presbyterian Church at 4517 Rufe Snow Drive and the Northeast Tarrant Courthouse at 645 Grapevine Highway. Sample ballots and more information can be found on Tarrant County’s website.

NRH₂O Family Water Park is open on Saturdays and Sundays through May 22 and daily starting on May 27. Don’t forget, NRH residents get discounts on season passes and single-day admission. Visit www.nrh2o.com to plan your visit!

To commemorate National Senior Health and Fitness Day, the NRH Senior Center will be hosting a Health Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25, in the Grand Hall at the NRH Centre. The free health fair is geared toward seniors, but open to everyone. In addition to free health screenings, vendors will provide information on wills, trusts, estate planning, homecare, rehabilitation centers, senior living and more. See a list of confirmed Health Fair vendors. If you have questions, please email or call 817-427-6695.

The NRH Animal Adoption & Rescue Center is partnering with the Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (TCAP) for a Low Cost Pet Vaccination & Microchip Clinic on Saturday, May 21 from 10 a.m. to Noon at the center located at 7301 Iron Horse Blvd. The clinic will include $5 rabies shot, $10 City registration and $30 microchip. Please visit TCAP's website for additional information. Dogs must be on leashes and cats in carriers for their safety.

Don't forget, the Sounds of Spring Concert Series continues each Friday night through May 20. Concerts are held on the City Hall Plaza, 4301 City Point Dr. starting at 7 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Seating is on the lawn, so don’t forget to bring a blanket or lawn chair. There will be food trucks with yummy cuisine on-site, or you are welcome to bring your own picnic, but please no glass containers. Visit our Sounds of Spring webpage for more details.