Edwards steps up water conservation efforts

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Julius Delos Reyes
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  With a drought looming over the state of California, the 95th Civil Engineer and Transportation Directorate increased the water conservation campaign for Edwards.

On June 4, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger proclaimed a statewide drought because of two years of below-average rainfall, low snowmelt runoff and water transfer restrictions.

"Water conservation is reducing the amount of consumption," said Dave Harrell, 95th CE mechanical systems manager. "We do that through various means -- public awareness, monitoring our water consumption and implementing leak detection procedures."

The need for more water conservation efforts stemmed from a depleting water source. Edwards receives its water from an aquifer underneath the base and the California water system.

"An aquifer is a pool underneath the Earth's surface," said Enrique Torres, base energy manager. "Water from the surrounding mountains drains down to the aquifer."

Every year the aquifer gets replenished, but with the growth in the Antelope Valley, it has been out of balance, Mr. Harrell said.

"We have been using much more water than nature can replenish," Mr. Torres said. "We are at a critical phase if the water level in the aquifer gets lower and lower."

The base community can contribute to the water conservation effort by reporting any water-related issues to the Civil Engineer and Transportation Directorate Customer Service Office at 277-2632, Mr. Harrell said.

"If we are aware of the problem, we can address it and fix it," he said.

As part of the effort to conserve water, the base also has its own water treatment plant to recycle water from the sewer system for non-potable irrigation water. Timers have also been installed in some houses for watering.

In the future, the base's irrigation system will be connected through the Energy Monitoring and Control System and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System to automate and control the water sprinkling in common areas such as parks, soccer fields and the Muroc Lake Golf Course.

"It is important for Team Edwards to save water for its future," Mr. Harrell said. "We, as a good neighbor and responsible entity, now have a chance to make a difference."

The following items are tips on saving water for indoors and outdoors:

Indoor tips
  • Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it. Use it to water your indoor plants or garden.
  • Report dripping faucets.
  • Check all plumbing for leaks.
  • Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects and other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet.
  • Take short showers instead of taking baths. Turn on water only to get wet and to lather and then again to rinse off.
  • Avoid letting water run while brushing your teeth, washing your face or shaving.
    Operate automatic dishwashers only when they are fully loaded.
  • Store drinking water in the refrigerator. Do not let the tap run while you are waiting for water to cool.
  • Avoid wasting water by waiting for it to get hot. Capture it for other uses such as plant watering or heat it on the stove or in a microwave.
  • Avoid rinsing dishes before placing them in the dishwasher; just remove large particles of food. Most dishwashers can clean soiled dishes very well, so dishes do not have to be rinsed before washing.
  • Avoid using running water to thaw meat or other frozen food. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave oven.
  • Operate automatic clothes washers only when they are fully loaded or set the water level for the size of your load.
Outdoor tips
  • Plant native or drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees. Once established, they do not need water as frequently and usually will survive a dry period without watering. Small plants require less water to become established. Group plants together based on similar water needs.
  • When washing a car, use a shut-off nozzle that can be adjusted down to a fine spray on your hose.
  • Use a commercial car wash that recycles water.
  • Avoid overwatering your lawn.
  • Only water once a day for 10 minutes, six days a week, between 3 and 7 a.m. On-base sprinklers on a gang system will be programmed to match the same requirements.
  • Water in several short sessions rather than one long one in order for your lawn to better absorb moisture.
  • Do not cut grass too short. A higher cut encourages grass roots to grow deeper, shades the root system and holds soil moisture.
  • Avoid overfertilizing your lawn. Applying fertilizer increases the need for water. Apply fertilizers that contain slow-release, water-insoluble forms of nitrogen.
  • Avoid leaving sprinklers or hoses unattended. A garden hose can pour out about 600 gallons or more in only a few hours.