The Oro Valley Water Utility Commission Annual Report is available now and inside you will find a tremendous amount of information and anything you could possibly want to know on Oro Valley's water quality, programs, sources, etc. Among some of the most interesting information are the sources of our water and the water Conservation Program. "Oro Valley currently delivers water from three sources of supply. Groundwater is pumped from wells in the aquifer below the Town and delivered through the potable water distribution system. Central Arizona Project (CAP) water is delivered to the Oro Valley potable water system through Tucson Water’s Distribution System. Reclaimed water is used for turf irrigation and is delivered through a separate reclaimed water distribution system. Oro Valley also uses its CAP water indirectly through groundwater storage credits.
Groundwater levels continue to decline in the Oro Valley aquifer but to a significantly lesser extent than in previous years because of the decrease in groundwater pumping. Operation of the reclaimed water system and the delivery of CAP water have slowed the groundwater decline, thus conserving, preserving and protecting our aquifer and our groundwater supply. Plans for future use of an additional 500 acre feet of CAP water are complete with deliveries expected to start in April of 2014."
"The Water Conservation Program continues to be a vital asset in assisting the Utility to achieve its overall water management goals. In 2013, 125 water audits were performed. Since the program’s inception in 2003, participating customers received 1,752 free water audits, which saved our customers both water and money.The Utility encourages water conservation by educating our customers. A Youth Water Conservation Education Program for elementary schools in Oro Valley has been developed and will be implemented in 2014."
It is not a shock to read that Arizona suffers a drought more years than it doesn't and that water is a precious commodity. As stated on AZwater.gov website with the unseasonably warm season and lower than average precipitation levels we've had up to this point, all areas of our state are in some form of drought. That's why it's important this year, as it is each year, to conserve, conserve, conserve!
Eartheasy.com has an article that lists 25 simple steps you can do to help conserve water at your home. It's an impressive list.
One of my favorite water saving suggestion is #4: Use your water meter to check for water leaks.
Water conservation is really not that daunting when everyone in the household is on board and parents take the time to teach children the importance of conservation. Soon are the days, when the cold sink faucet only runs hot, pools are evaporating noticeably on a daily basis, and patio misters get clogged before they even begin. And as nice as it is to seek relief from our hot sun in whatever water we can find, remember to do so wisely.
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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley a total of five years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. Her husband is Canadian so she is a hockey fan by default and so are her two very clever children. When not being a mommy, she enjoys hiking in Catalina State Park, hand building pottery, and gardening. Her favorite things about living in Oro Valley are the towns recognition of art and culture, their commitment to preserving nature and the Christmas parade. (Also anything from GMG Chinese Bistro.)
3 comments:
Right, conserve water, then have the water utility complain that they need more money because usage is down and they do not have the funds to pay for the power to run the pumps.
I blame the dentist!
Certainly sad that given the drought conditions that we are still watering swaths of grass at Rancho Vistoso/Tangerine and Rancho Vistoso/Oracle. I would be interested in know how many gallons of water gets used each month watering these. I understand that changing these monuments requires a vote by the residents. Maybe Lewis Management and the HOA Board of Directors can come up better verbiage for the various options such as pros and cons of grass vs. xeriscape. Maybe have The Groundskeeper put together a proposal with pictures of what it could look like along with cost savings related to water and man hours/maintenance.
I remember we were asked our opinion on replacing the grass. I do not recall the results. I would think some form of astro turf would be a great idea.
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