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December 19, 2003
By: Holly Rebekah
Website: http://www.water-purification-filters.com
American Water Works Association samples Western Utilities drought plans
Water utilities in cities throughout the drought-stricken American west are implementing and enforcing tough and costly spring and summer water conservation measures according to a sampling of drought response plans conducted by the American Water Works Association. According to a sampling of western utilities' drought response plans conducted by the American Water Works Association citizens are faced with tough and costly spring and summer water conservation measures - all designed to save millions of gallons of water.
While historically water utilities have promoted water conservation in a variety of ways, the new policies and restrictions are attempting to persuade citizens to change their water use behavior. According to AWWA's sampling, water utilities are enforcing strict water restrictions and charging steep water use surcharges as well as fines against those who blatantly waste water. Many have enacted grass, garden and tree planting moratoriums. Some are enforcing lawn watering and car washing bans, while others have leveled prohibitions on hotel laundry. In other cities, restaurants' are forbidden to automatically serve diners a glass of water with their meal.
The unprecedented drought that has left much of the American west high and dry and citizens, who used to take what seemed like an unlimited water supply for granted, are now being forced to rethink how they use and conserve water.
Established in 1881, AWWA is the oldest and largest nonprofit scientific and educational organization dedicated to safe drinking water in North America. AWWA has over 56,000 members worldwide and its more than 4,600 utility members serve 80 percent of America's population.
The American west is faced with one of the worst droughts in the last 108 years. According to the National Weather Service, increased precipitation by late winter (February and March) may not have arrived in time to make a significant dent in these conditions.
In 2002, Colorado measured its driest calendar in 108 years and is now entering it's fifth summer of extreme drought conditions. In addition to scarce water, the state is again faced with the possibility of the devastating forest fires experienced last year. Nebraska, Wyoming, and Nevada also recorded their third driest year.
Although recent rain and snow have improved drought conditions in parts of the West, this winter's precipitation totals have done little to ease the drought, as snow pack has been below normal in every western state and reservoirs have reached record lows in those locations.
"These necessary water restrictions are a critical reminder that water is one of our most important and valued natural resources," said Jack Hoffbuhr, Executive Director of AWWA. "No longer can citizens expect lush lawns and cheap access to an unlimited supply of water. The message utilities are sending to their customers is use water more efficiently, conserve where you can and approach your day-to-day water use with a clearer understanding of the water-shortage created by the drought."
AWWA's sampling of various community water utilities throughout the west identified several common drought restrictions. Throughout the west, higher rates in the form of conservation surcharges are being used as incentives for citizens to conserve water.
Most utilities are involved in massive public education campaigns to teach consumers basic water conservation tips for around the home. Next month, 11 Colorado Front Range utilities will roll out a $600,000 joint advertising campaign to remind customers there's still a drought and they must do their part to ease it. Simple steps, such as repairing leaky faucets, turning off the water during tooth brushing or shaving and other common sense measures collectively make a big difference. Utility websites have been updated with water conservation tips and water bill inserts to remind water customers about conservation tips and new restrictions.
Most communities have implemented strict lawn watering schedules and, in some cases, have completely banned lawn watering. Many have restricted home car washing or passed prohibitions on using the hose to clean driveways, sidewalks and decks. Other communities have put a ban on filling swimming pools or spas.
Some cities will not allow restaurants to offer water to diners unless specifically asked, while some are restricting hotels from laundering bed sheets of guests that stay more than one night.
Others are offering rebates to consumers who purchase water efficient appliances such as washing machines, low flow toilets and water saving dishwashers. Denver Water is handing out buckets to capture run-off shower water and timers to encourage shorter showers.
Some cities have been forced to close or limit the usage of recreation fields due to lack of water while other cities are updating to state-of-the art, computer controlled sprinkler systems to efficiently water parks and ball fields with minimum amounts of water.
Most utilities have beefed up water patrols by cruising neighborhoods and monitoring meters. Water wasting scofflaws who violate drought restrictions might pay fines from $50 - $1,000 with funds going to water conservation programs or forest fire prevention programs.
As an alternative to lush, water-thirsty Kentucky bluegrass lawns, most utilities are encouraging homeowners to create beautiful xeriscape gardens with drought-tolerant plants and foliage.
Additional News, see whole house water filters.
Author Notes:
Holly Rebekah contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.water-purification-filters.com.
Get educated on the benefits of water purification systems and different water filters available.
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