Now, more than ever, everyone should be practicing wise and efficient use of water through conservation.
Tom and I hope you enjoy our column this month.
Tom: Hi Sandy! This month, we are having our conversation more than 1,500 miles apart. I am safely ensconced in Vermillion, South Dakota.
Sandy: South Dakota – how and why?
Tom: Kids and grandkids. I’m spending the entire month just being a small part of their lives.
Sandy: Tom, that is so cool. Enjoy and have fun, but we have a column to write! I was hoping we could talk about water conservation this month. There is a lot of continued discussion about water being one of the effective tools we as a community can participate in.
Tom: What a great topic. Now, mind you, here in Eastern South Dakota, we are east of the 100th meridian, so water usage does not carry the same sense of urgency as it does in Arizona.
Sandy: I get it. Don’t they utilize the same codes as we do regarding water-saving devices?
Tom: Some, yes. Not all, though. By way of example, in Prescott, xeriscape landscaping is encouraged. Here, everyone has a green lawn. The ubiquitous sound of lawnmowers is a given.
Sandy: Ahhh, and the smell of freshly-mowed grass. Well, let’s stick to our area for now. The xeriscape you mentioned is a very real way our readers can contribute to water conservation. Desert landscaping using colored rock in lieu of grass, and low water-use plants really can help keeping water usage low.
Tom: True, and having the plants watered on a timed drip system also helps keep unnecessary water use down.
Sandy: At this time of year, it is critical that we pay close attention to our outdoor activities. That might even include washing your car. Car washes typically recapture all the water used to clean the car.
Tom: They do. Some folks still do not want to spend the extra money though.
Sandy: I get that. Some day, the cost of water might be greater than the car wash, though.
Tom: LOL, you are onto something there!
Sandy: Another outdoor activity I see that makes me wonder if any of the conservation word is getting out there, are people who wash down their driveways, patios and walkways instead of using a broom.
Tom: Yeah, that really makes me wonder as well.
Sandy: Indoor water usage also can contribute to savings. If you have an energy and water efficient dishwasher, that often uses less water than filling the sink and hand washing and rinsing the dishes.
Tom: With a quick scrape into the compost bin and a very quick rinse, you can stack them in the dishwasher to run when you have a full load.
Sandy: For me, that takes a week, unless I have company.
Tom: The plumbing and building codes have recognized the need to conserve water. Prescriptive use of certain water-saving fixtures has really helped our water use decline.
Sandy: These codes have been around for quite a while and have gotten tighter over the years. Toilets are down to 1.2 gallons per use or less. That is down from the old five-gallon flush types. And that is just for starters. And Tom, I will say I am doing my part – I recently purchased two Toto toilets and they are 1.2 gallons per flush and super cool.
Tom: Faucets, washing machines and, as you mentioned, dishwashers are all saving increasingly more water. These are good additions to the conservation arsenal.
Sandy: Even with all these savings, we are not at the Safe Yield goal – the water we use from the aquifer equals the water we recharge. That is why Prescott and Prescott Valley are looking to the Big Chino to replenish the Little Chino aquifer.
Tom: That would be the goal. I believe an agreement with SRP has been reached regarding any impact to the Verde River system. If I am incorrect, I am sure we will hear about this, though. Will Rogers was right when he said, “Out here in the West, liquor is for drinking, water is for fighting.”
Sandy: Now, more than ever, everyone should be practicing wise and efficient use of water through conservation. We have heard of the hippie generation lifestyle, the 70s, the frugal lifestyle, the low-stress lifestyle, the low-maintenance lifestyle, the lifestyle of the rich and famous, the vegan lifestyle, the minimalist lifestyle and now we had all better jump on board and practice a low water-use lifestyle.
Tom: You are right, Sandy. This is a lifestyle and a way everyone can help ensure a long-term, sustainable water supply. Reducing your water use helps meet future needs, results in cost savings, decreases energy use and helps preserve the environment.
Sandy: Tom, did you know the City of Prescott has a rebate program for practicing a low water-use lifestyle? This is a way everyone can help ensure a long-term, sufficient water supply.
Tom: Kudos to the city! Efficient water use helps meet current and future needs, results in cost savings, decreases energy use and helps preserve the environment.
Sandy: To help customers who live in the City of Prescott, the city offers resident and business rebates through the Water Conservation Incentive Program. For more information, call the water resource project manager at 928-777-1645.
Tom: Let’s all do our part to be water smart!
Sandy: Tom, I like how that sounds. I am going to say it again! Let’s all do our part to be water smart!
Thanks for stopping in to read At Home With Tom and Sandy. QCBN
Tom Reilly, Architect, Renovations, 928-445-8506 renovationsaz.com
Sandy Griffis, Executive Director, Yavapai County Contractors Association, 928-778-0040
Remember to tune in to YCCA’s Hammer Time every Saturday and Sunday morning 7 a.m. on KQNA 1130 AM/99.9 FM/95.5FM or the web kqna.com. Listen to Sandy and Mike talk about the construction industry and meet your local community partners. Hammer Time is a great way to start your weekend.
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