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Tag: Water Conservation

  • Jamaica braces for catastrophic damage as Category 5 Hurricane Melissa approaches

    Hurricane Melissa was set to pummel Jamaica on Tuesday as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, the strongest to lash the island since record-keeping began 174 years ago.The storm was expected to make landfall early Tuesday and slice diagonally across the island, entering near St. Elizabeth parish in the south and exiting around St. Ann parish in the north, forecasters said.Hours before the storm, the government said it had done all it could to prepare as it warned of catastrophic damage.“There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a Category 5,” Prime Minister Andrew Holness said. “The question now is the speed of recovery. That’s the challenge.”Landslides, fallen trees and numerous power outages were reported ahead of the storm, with officials in Jamaica cautioning that the cleanup and damage assessment would be slow.A life-threatening storm surge of up to 13 feet is expected across southern Jamaica, with officials concerned about the impact on some hospitals along the coastline. Health Minister Christopher Tufton said some patients were relocated from the ground floor to the second floor, “and (we) hope that will suffice for any surge that will take place.”The storm already was blamed for seven deaths in the Caribbean, including three in Jamaica, three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, where another person remains missing. Jamaica braces for catastrophic damageMelissa was centered about 115 miles southwest of Kingston and about 290 miles southwest of Guantánamo, Cuba. The system had maximum sustained winds of 175 mph and was moving north-northeast at 5 mph, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami.“We will get through it together,” said Evan Thompson, principal director at Jamaica’s meteorological service.Colin Bogle, a Mercy Corps adviser based near Kingston, said most families are sheltering in place despite the government ordering evacuations in flood-prone communities.“Many have never experienced anything like this before, and the uncertainty is frightening,” he said. “There is profound fear of losing homes and livelihoods, of injury, and of displacement.”Matthew Samuda, Jamaica’s water and environment minister, said he had more than 50 generators available to deploy after the storm, but warned people to set aside clean water and use it sparingly.“Every drop will count,” he said.Melissa takes aim at CubaMelissa also was expected to make landfall in eastern Cuba late Tuesday as a powerful hurricane.A hurricane warning was in effect for Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo and Holguin provinces, while a tropical storm warning was in effect for Las Tunas. Up to 20 inches of rain were forecast for parts of Cuba, along with a significant storm surge along the coast.Cuban officials said Monday that they were evacuating more than 600,000 people from the region, including Santiago, the island’s second-largest city.Melissa also has drenched the southern regions of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, with a tropical storm warning still in effect for Haiti.The hurricane was forecast to turn northeast after Cuba and strike the southeast Bahamas by Wednesday evening.A hurricane warning was in effect for the southeastern and central Bahamas, and a tropical storm warning was issued for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

    PORT ROYAL, Kingston Parish —

    Hurricane Melissa was set to pummel Jamaica on Tuesday as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, the strongest to lash the island since record-keeping began 174 years ago.

    The storm was expected to make landfall early Tuesday and slice diagonally across the island, entering near St. Elizabeth parish in the south and exiting around St. Ann parish in the north, forecasters said.

    Hours before the storm, the government said it had done all it could to prepare as it warned of catastrophic damage.

    “There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a Category 5,” Prime Minister Andrew Holness said. “The question now is the speed of recovery. That’s the challenge.”

    Landslides, fallen trees and numerous power outages were reported ahead of the storm, with officials in Jamaica cautioning that the cleanup and damage assessment would be slow.

    A life-threatening storm surge of up to 13 feet is expected across southern Jamaica, with officials concerned about the impact on some hospitals along the coastline. Health Minister Christopher Tufton said some patients were relocated from the ground floor to the second floor, “and (we) hope that will suffice for any surge that will take place.”

    The storm already was blamed for seven deaths in the Caribbean, including three in Jamaica, three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, where another person remains missing.

    Hearst OwnedHearst Television

    Jamaica braces for catastrophic damage

    Melissa was centered about 115 miles southwest of Kingston and about 290 miles southwest of Guantánamo, Cuba. The system had maximum sustained winds of 175 mph and was moving north-northeast at 5 mph, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami.

    “We will get through it together,” said Evan Thompson, principal director at Jamaica’s meteorological service.

    Colin Bogle, a Mercy Corps adviser based near Kingston, said most families are sheltering in place despite the government ordering evacuations in flood-prone communities.

    “Many have never experienced anything like this before, and the uncertainty is frightening,” he said. “There is profound fear of losing homes and livelihoods, of injury, and of displacement.”

    Matthew Samuda, Jamaica’s water and environment minister, said he had more than 50 generators available to deploy after the storm, but warned people to set aside clean water and use it sparingly.

    “Every drop will count,” he said.

    hurricane

    intensity models show how strong the storm is forecast to become

    Melissa takes aim at Cuba

    Melissa also was expected to make landfall in eastern Cuba late Tuesday as a powerful hurricane.

    A hurricane warning was in effect for Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo and Holguin provinces, while a tropical storm warning was in effect for Las Tunas. Up to 20 inches of rain were forecast for parts of Cuba, along with a significant storm surge along the coast.

    Cuban officials said Monday that they were evacuating more than 600,000 people from the region, including Santiago, the island’s second-largest city.

    Melissa also has drenched the southern regions of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, with a tropical storm warning still in effect for Haiti.

    The hurricane was forecast to turn northeast after Cuba and strike the southeast Bahamas by Wednesday evening.

    A hurricane warning was in effect for the southeastern and central Bahamas, and a tropical storm warning was issued for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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  • Benicia water pipeline damaged; residents and businesses told to conserve

    Officials in the city of Benicia urged all residents, businesses, schools and other facilities to significantly curtail their water usage, after a water pipeline was damaged Wednesday.

    Around 5:30 p.m., the city announced on social media that a Stage 4 “Critical Water Shortage” emergency was declared. The community of 26,000 people in Solano County is urged to reduce water usage by 40%.

    URGENT: Water Conservation Required in Benicia

    Due to significant damage to the City’s main drinking water…

    Posted by City of Benicia-Government on Wednesday, September 17, 2025

    Officials said the order was prompted by damage to the city’s main drinking water transmission line in the area of Goodyear Road and Morrow Lane. In response, the city is relying on its secondary water source at Lake Herman.

    Traffic in the area of the damaged pipeline is being detoured to Parish Road amid repair efforts.

    During the shortage, the community is urged to stop all non-essential outdoor water use, including car washing and filling of swimming pools. Residents are also urged to keep showers to five minutes or less and to only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads.

    In March 2023, the city declared a similar water shortage alert after the pipeline was damaged near Interstate 680 and Gold Hill Road when a hillside collapsed. Officials said the two incidents are not connected.

    At Luca’s Bar and Grill in Benicia, owner Jan Luca said Thursday he’s already feeling the effects.

    “We are no longer offering water unless the customer asks for it,” Luca explained.

    City Manager Sarah Shawky urged residents to conserve as much as possible.

    “Some examples would be to reduce your shower to five minutes,” Shawky said. “Limit or eliminate your outdoor irrigation. Please don’t fill up your pool. Just do what you can to conserve water.”

    She added that Lake Herman holds about a 30-day supply at full use, but conservation could help extend that timeline.  

    Officials said water from the lake may have an earthy taste or smell due to natural compounds, but it is safe to drink and meets all state and federal water quality standards. Still, some residents are uneasy about relying on Lake Herman again.

    “Everyone knows Lake Herman doesn’t have the best water. You can go down there and see it for yourself,” said Matt Jones, a Benicia resident.

    The cause of the new damage hasn’t been disclosed, and it was not immediately known when repairs would be completed.

    Tim Fang

    Tim Fang is a digital producer at CBS Bay Area. A Bay Area native, Tim has been a part of the CBS Bay Area newsroom for more than two decades and joined the digital staff in 2006.

    Tim Fang

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  • How This Startup Plans to End Restaurants’ Most Wasteful Habit | Entrepreneur

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Life is full of minor inconveniences. Most people see them as annoyances, but entrepreneurs see opportunities. Small frustrations can spark ideas that lead to big solutions, and many of the best companies are built by solving problems others overlook.

    That’s exactly what Dylan Wolff has done with his water conservation startup, CNSRV.

    A cooler way to thaw

    Wolff, a Southern California native, was introduced to the issue that now dominates his life through a bartending friend.

    “He told me the restaurant wasn’t serving drinking water to customers unless they asked for it — a policy to conserve water. But in the back of the house, in the kitchen, they were running the faucet for 10 hours a day to defrost frozen food. That’s over 4,000 gallons of water straight down the drain.”

    This isn’t an isolated issue. Every year, billions of gallons of water are wasted in the U.S. food industry during the defrosting process. One turkey breast can take 5 hours of running water. It seems like small potatoes, but when you multiply that across every restaurant in America, the environmental cost is staggering.

    After this epiphany, Wolff immersed himself in the wondrous world of food defrosting. He found that restaurants use three main methods: refrigerating the food, microwaving it or running it under cold water.

    The fridge method takes days to defrost, creating an “inventory nightmare”, and we all know that microwaved food isn’t quite the same. That leaves the cold water method, which would be perfect if not for the thousands of gallons wasted each day.

    “I spoke with as many people in commercial kitchens as I could, and kept hearing the same thing,” Wolff says. “It’s just the nature of the business.”

    Undeterred, Wolff turned words into action, meeting with health departments to fully understand the code and reverse-engineer a solution. Working with his partner, Brett Abrams and Tim Nugent, head of R&D, he developed an early prototype that uses a proprietary defrosting method combining water agitation and precise temperature control.

    That prototype would become the DC: 02, a defrosting machine that cuts thawing time in half using 98% less water than traditional methods, and improves food quality, all while saving thousands in utility expenses.

    Related: I Interviewed 5 Entrepreneurs Generating Up to $20 Million in Revenue a Year — And They All Have the Same Regret About Starting Their Business

    Efficiency meets affordability

    When Wolff started, there were hardly any players in the defrosting industry, and none with a completely portable technology.

    “There are alternatives, but they’re $35,000 blast chillers that need a dedicated 220 outlet and a lot of kitchen space,” Wolff says. “We’ve built something that uses the space they’re already defrosting in, plugs into a standard 120 outlet, uses little power, and completely optimizes the process.”

    For customers who don’t care about water savings, Wolff jokes that he can “Trojan horse” it in.

    “They’ll care about the improved quality and saving time,” he says.

    They’ll also care about new rebate programs from municipalities in Southern California ($800 per unit) and Tampa, Florida ($1,000 per unit).

    “The Metropolitan Water District has a program that provides grants to innovations in the water conservation space,” Wolff explains. “I received that grant, along with the third-party validation of our technology that came with it.”

    For consumers, that means when you buy a DC:02, you’ll get a check back from the Metropolitan Water District. Wolff envisions this resonating with smaller restaurants and grocers, who benefit personally from the savings while contributing to the larger cause of water conservation.

    Related: 7 Water-Saving Strategies for Your Business

    Though passionate about the environment, Wolff has no formal training in sustainability or water conservation. What he does have is a background in product development, management, and an entrepreneurial drive. He bootstrapped CNSRV through its early stages, raising capital from friends and family before catching the attention of venture group Burnt Island Ventures, which provided the funding to take the next step.

    “I always knew I wanted to do something entrepreneurial,” Wolff says. “I just needed that spark—the problem to solve. This was a serendipitous intersection of my strengths in business and my passion for sustainability. Finding this solution is exactly where I want to focus my time and energy.”

    Life is full of minor inconveniences. Most people see them as annoyances, but entrepreneurs see opportunities. Small frustrations can spark ideas that lead to big solutions, and many of the best companies are built by solving problems others overlook.

    That’s exactly what Dylan Wolff has done with his water conservation startup, CNSRV.

    A cooler way to thaw

    The rest of this article is locked.

    Join Entrepreneur+ today for access.

    Leo Zevin

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  • Live Wildly and Trust for Public Land Congratulate Florida Voters for Landslide Election Wins That Protect Healthy Lands and Waters

    Floridians cast record-setting votes for protecting nature; nearly $350 million approved for local conservation efforts


    TAMPA, Fla., November 20, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    The Trust for Public Land, a national nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors, and the Live Wildly Foundation, a non-profit working to advance conservation in Florida, congratulate Florida voters for overwhelmingly passing conservation ballot measures on Election Day that will secure nearly $350 million over the next 20 years to protect safe drinking water, preserve wildlife habitat, expand outdoor recreation, promote efficient development and support other actions that conserve local lands and waters.

    Conservation measures were on the ballot in Clay, Lake, Osceola and Martin counties. All won with landslide support. The Lake County measure, in fact, passed with an unprecedented 80% of the vote, setting the record for the most votes garnered by a ballot measure in that county’s history.1

    “It is exciting to see communities across Florida prioritize water quality, wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation at the ballot box. We look forward to seeing these four counties implement great land protection projects in the coming years,” said Will Abberger, Director of Trust for Public Land’s Conservation Finance Program.

    Abberger added that TPL worked with communities across the country to approve ballot measures that secured $16 billion for protecting America’s lands and waters.

    In Florida, the four ballot measures not only directly secure millions of dollars each year in local conservation funding, but they also position the counties to receive additional matching grants at the state and federal levels.

    “While political divides have dominated the headlines, these wins demonstrate that conservation has broad support from voters across the political spectrum,” said Meredith Budd, Director of Strategic Initiatives with the Live Wildly Foundation which worked with the Trust for Public Land to back the measures. “Floridians understand that healthy lands and waters are the backbone of Florida’s thriving communities and economies.”

    Florida’s outdoor recreation industry supports 485,000 jobs and generates $3.5 billion in state and local tax revenue each year.2 Florida state parks and trails support 50,000 jobs and directly contribute $3.6 billion annually to local economies.3 Florida’s healthy lands are home to nearly 50,000 farms and ranches across the state which generate nearly $8 billion a year.4

    The four conservation ballot measures passed on Election Day are:

    ■ In Clay County, voters authorized $45 million in bonds that will generate more than $3 million each year over the next 20 years to acquire and manage lands that protect drinking water sources, conserve wildlife habitat, support working forests and farms, reduce flooding, and support outdoor recreation. The measure passed with 73% of the vote.

    ■ Lake County voters approved a $50 million bond that will generate $4 million each year for land acquisition to protect water resources, wildlife corridors, and recreational areas. The measure passed with 80% of the vote.

    ■ Osceola County approved a $70 million bond that will generate $5 million a year to preserve lands from development by acquiring, managing, restoring and improving natural areas for the protection of water quality, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation. The measure passed with 84% of the vote.

    ■ In Martin County, voters approved a sales tax that will generate an estimated $183 million in conservation funding over ten years. The funds will be used to clean and restore waterways, protect drinking water, preserve wildlife habitat, expand recreational opportunities, support farmers, and enhance ecotourism. The measure passed with 64% of the vote.

    1 Historic win for conservation: Lake County Conservation Referendum passes with unprecedented 80% Approval | Clermont Sun | midfloridanewspapers.com
    2 OIA_RecEcoState_FL
    3 Impact | Florida State Parks Foundation
    4 Florida Agriculture Overview and Statistics / Agriculture Industry / Home – Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
     

    Source: Live Wildly Foundation

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  • Weeds, trash and bees: What’s happened to the median at Quebec Street?

    Weeds, trash and bees: What’s happened to the median at Quebec Street?

    The complaints from Central Park started flooding into Denver Parks and Recreation over the past year.

    The subject of ire? The Quebec Street median between Northeast Park Hill and Central Park. 

    “Do you happen to know what is going on with the grassy median on Quebec between MLK and Smith Road?” one resident wrote. “It is all weeds, trash and dead grass.”

    “The median between northbound and southbound Quebec needs to be mowed,” wrote another. “And maybe sprinklers need to be turned on.”

    All that tall, dry-looking vegetation that has residents calling 311 is actually part of Denver Parks and Recreation’s eco-friendly plan. 

    The agency wants to get rid of non-functional turfgrass in places that are largely not used for picnicking, sports and other recreational uses. 

    The 10-acre Quebec Street median is a prime example of underused, rarely walked-on patches of land. The city doesn’t see much of a point in keeping turf grass there. 

    The Kentucky bluegrass that once grew on the median is not native to Denver, Andersen said. And it’s a water suck — a problem in a state that regularly faces drought.  

    A median along Quebec Street in Central Park. Aug. 28, 2024.
    Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

    The former landscaping required roughly 10 million gallons of water for irrigation. Keeping the Kentucky bluegrass trim also meant weekly mowing.  

    “It’s not something we’re going to remove from the park system entirely,” said Denver Parks and Recreation urban ecology supervisor Jessica Andersen. “We’re just looking for those nonfunctional spaces.”

    So instead of re-planting Kentucky Bluegrass, the city made a change.

    Nearly a year ago, Parks and Rec decided to save water, toss down native seeds and let local plants grow on the Quebec median.

    They call this “Coloradoscaping.”

    It’s the process of getting rid of bluegrass and creating meadows and other spaces that look like Colorado native landscapes. That includes planting western wheatgrass and wildflowers like blanket flowers, prairie cone flowers or Rocky Mountain pea plants. 

    A close-up of a pink flower, in front of a blurry green background. A yellow bee flies off the thin, spindly petals.
    Bees flit among the flowers in a median along Quebec Street, in Central Park. Aug. 28, 2024.
    Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

    “It’s really the spectrum of changing from that bluegrass to a mixture of wildflowers and grasses to support our urban wildlife and especially our pollinators,” Andersen said. 

    As climate change upends ecosystems, pollinators like bees and butterflies have been suffering. The city’s using efforts like the one on Quebec Street to help out. And it’s clear when you walk into the median (something the city doesn’t want you to do) — bees are going wild for the flowers.

    The Quebec Street median is the largest plot Parks and Rec has Coloradoscaped yet. 

    On that site alone, the city will be saving the equivalent of an Olympic-sized swimming pool full of water each year. 

    Transforming the landscaping will allow the city to cut back on mowing the median every week and will reduce the parks department’s energy use. 

    An eye-level view of pink flowers on green stems under a blue sky. Bees fly around them.
    Bees flit among the flowers in a median along Quebec Street, in Central Park. Aug. 28, 2024.
    Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

    The wild landscaping has another function: public safety. 

    “Hopefully the native grass will encourage people to cross at the signals instead of trying to cut diagonally across in between traffic,” Andersen said. “That’s very, very unsafe. Hopefully, with the landscaping in this condition, it will funnel them to those sidewalks.” 

    Denver Parks and Recreation secured a $50,000 grant to fund the project, and both the parks department and Denver Water each put roughly $125,000 into the new landscaping.

    So how are Denverites taking to the new landscaping look? 

    From the feedback Parks and Recreation receives, half the public thinks the new plants look beautiful and the other half thinks it looks messy. 

    Andersen blames that on “an education gap.” 

    It’s hard for folks who haven’t heard about the city’s Coloradoscaping efforts to wrap their heads around why the vegetation has grown so tall. They wonder if the city abandoned the land and let weeds take over.

    Though the plants bring pollinators to the median, some worry drivers will splatter bees on their windshields. 

    Grass fills a meadow, as a lone man walks across it; in the background, we can see a strip mall.
    A median along Quebec Street in Central Park. Aug. 28, 2024.
    Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

    On narrower medians, this is a real risk, Andersen explained. But Quebec Street is wide. 

    “Those pollinators and some of those insects can live their entire life cycle in these landscapes,” she said. “So once they get there, they just move up and down the corridor.”

    What about the trash in the Quebec Street median?

    Trash lodges in the Coloradoscape more easily than they would in neatly cropped turf. 

    Beneath the buzzing bees above the Quebec median, there’s plenty of evidence of that: styrofoam cups, fast-food wrappers and cigarette butts.

    And Anderson acknowledges that because the city doesn’t mow these landscapes weekly, there is more short-term maintenance required. 

    The city has an ongoing contract with the company that installed the native seeding. For at least the first three years, it’s responsible for maintaining the rising seeds, making sure plants are established, and ensuring weeds and trash are under control. After that, the parks department will reassess.

    When the project first began, many residents worried that the new vegetation would catch fire. 

    But that’s not likely.

    “We know in Colorado, wildfires are a serious thing,” Andersen said. “And a lot of it is based on the health and condition of that landscaping. So a healthy stand of native grass is pretty resilient to wildfires.” 

    Those native plants’ roots are typically deep in the soil, and if the plants are healthy, they are resistant to wildfire. 

    “If there’s more weedy species, and they’re more dried out, that’s when wildfire becomes a risk,” she said. “So in some cases where we have a healthy stand, that wildfire risk is going to be lower versus in a weedy landscape that dries out. “

    “So on Quebec Street, because it used to be Kentucky Bluegrass, the entire area is still irrigated,” Andersen added. “So we are making sure that stand of grass will be healthy and well.”

    A close up of a green bush covered with bright yellow flowers.
    Flowers grow in a median along Quebec Street in Central Park. Aug. 28, 2024.
    Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

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  • Angel Fire, New Mexico, Upgrades Water Infrastructure

    Angel Fire, New Mexico, Upgrades Water Infrastructure


    CHANDLER, Ariz., August 6, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Angel Fire, New Mexico, is excited to announce the kickoff of its Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Project, a critical step toward building a more resilient and sustainable water system. In partnership with Sustainability Partners, a leader in funding, deploying, and maintaining essential infrastructure, Angel Fire, New Mexico, is replacing over 2,000 water meters with Kamstrup ultrasonic meters. Sustainability Partners is collaborating with Resource Wise and L&T Services to install and integrate Angel Fire’s new AMI system.

    By providing Angel Fire with real-time water usage data, this advanced system empowers the city to:

    • Optimize system performance: Real-time data gives Angel Fire valuable insights into optimizing water infrastructure, resource allocation, and accounting for non-revenue water.
    • Champion water conservation: The AMI system fosters responsible water use habits by enabling residents to track their water consumption closely.
    • Improve customer service: This cutting-edge technology allows for faster leak detection and improved response times to customer inquiries.

    Underscoring the Village’s dedication to sustainable water practices, Angel Fire Mayor BJ Lindsey stated, “The Village of Angel Fire is proactively addressing long-standing water infrastructure needs while also preparing for the sustained growth of our area. This AMI project, facilitated by Sustainability Partners, is a major step forward in achieving both goals. By gaining real-time data on water usage, we can optimize our system, empower residents to conserve water and improve customer service. This is a win-win for our community and our environment.”

    Angel Fire is utilizing Sustainability Partners’ Metering as a Service offering, which provides the system on a per-meter, per-month basis with no upfront costs. In turn, Sustainability Partners facilitates all aspects of the comprehensive solution, including installation, software integration, staff training, ongoing care of the system, and contracting with all vendors to complete the work.

    Sharing his excitement about the project, Ryan Mast, Lead Infrastructure Partner for Sustainability Partners in New Mexico, said, “Sustainability Partners is thrilled to be working alongside Angel Fire on this important initiative. Upgrading their water infrastructure with smart meters is a critical step towards ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply for generations to come. We are confident that this project will be a success and serve as a model for other communities looking to improve their water management.”

    About Angel Fire, New Mexico

    Nestled in the heart of the Southern Rockies of Northern New Mexico, Angel Fire offers stunning natural beauty and a wealth of outdoor activities. Incorporated in 1986, the town has now grown to a population of approximately 1,200 residents. From skiing at Angel Fire Resort to scenic hiking, fishing at Monte Verde Lake, and golfing with breathtaking views, Angel Fire caters to the adventurer in everyone.

    Learn more about Angel Fire, New Mexico.

    About Sustainability Partners

    Sustainability Partners (SP) is a Public Benefit Company that facilitates funding and deployment of essential infrastructure to help municipalities, universities, schools, and hospitals meet their needs. SP can help solve any combination of funding, design, engineering, procurement, installation, and maintenance of essential infrastructure with no upfront costs. Like a utility, SP charges a monthly usage fee based on a month-to-month agreement. Its goal is to establish long-term relationships with its customers and ensure their infrastructure remains safe, reliable, and improving forever.

    Learn more about Sustainability Partners.

    Source: Sustainability Partners

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  • Sun ‘N Lake Makes a Big Leap in Water Conservation

    Sun ‘N Lake Makes a Big Leap in Water Conservation


    CHANDLER, Ariz., August 1, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    The Sun ’N Lake Improvement District (SNL) is proud to announce the successful completion of its Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Project, a significant step towards a more sustainable future. In partnership with Sustainability Partners, a leader in funding, deploying, and maintaining essential infrastructure, SNL has replaced nearly 3,800 water meters with cutting-edge ultrasonic technology.

    This robustly engineered upgrade provides SNL with real-time water usage data, empowering the community to:

    • Champion water conservation: The AMI system fosters responsible water use habits by enabling residents to track their water consumption closely.
    • Enhance customer service: The new technology allows for faster leak detection and improved response times to customer inquiries.
    • Optimize resource management: Real-time data provides SNL with valuable insights for optimizing water infrastructure and resource allocation.

    SNL General Manager Raymond Bossert emphasizes the district’s dedication to responsible water management. “We’re committed to leading the charge in water conservation,” says Bossert. “This AMI project ensures our water system is strong and resilient and ensures a sustainable water future for our community.”

    With Sustainability Partners’ Metering-as-a-Service offering, SP provides the system on a per-meter, per-month basis and facilitates all aspects of the comprehensive solution, including installation, software integration, staff training, ongoing care of the system, and contracting with all vendors to complete the work.

    Michael Tari, Infrastructure Partner for Sustainability Partners in Florida, shares his enthusiasm for ongoing collaboration with SNL, “We’re incredibly proud to partner with SNL on this upgrade to their essential infrastructure. Together, we’re helping to pave the way for a future where responsible water use and technological innovation go hand in hand.”

    About Sun ‘N Lake 

    Sun ‘N Lake is a master-planned golf and recreation community located outside Sebring, Highlands County, in the heartland of central Florida. The Sun ‘N Lake of Sebring Improvement District is an independent special-purpose unit of government established to provide essential services within the community, including stormwater management, water & sewer utilities, roads, parks & recreation, code enforcement, and security.

    Learn more about Sun ‘N Lake.

    About Sustainability Partners

    Sustainability Partners (SP) is a Public Benefit Company that facilitates funding and deployment of essential infrastructure to help municipalities, universities, schools, and hospitals meet their needs. SP can help solve any combination of funding, design, engineering, procurement, installation, and maintenance of essential infrastructure with no upfront costs. Like a utility, SP charges a monthly usage fee based on a month-to-month agreement. SP’s goal is to establish long-term relationships with its customers and ensure that their infrastructure remains safe, reliable, and improving forever.

    Learn more about Sustainability Partners.

    Media Contact:

    Keli Posch

    CMO, Sustainability Partners

    kposch@s.partners

    (480) 773-3532

    Source: Sustainability Partners

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  • City of Jal Partners With Sustainability Partners to Implement Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)

    City of Jal Partners With Sustainability Partners to Implement Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)


    CHANDLER, Ariz., July 11, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    The City of Jal, New Mexico, launched its Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Project with Sustainability Partners this week. Over the next three months, Jal will replace approximately 1,000 existing water meters with new Kamstrup ultrasonic meters that provide and remotely transmit near real-time water usage data. This technology will help the city reach its water conservation goals. For this project, Jal partnered with Sustainability Partners, a leader in providing communities with infrastructure funding, deployment, and maintenance.

    Jal Mayor Stephen Aldridge underscores the city’s unwavering commitment to responsible water use, stating, “Implementing AMI is not just a step, but a leap towards ensuring sustainable water management in Jal.”

    This transformative project replaces Jal’s outdated system with AMI technology, a comprehensive system that measures, collects, and analyzes water usage data. Incorporating hardware, software, communication tools, and customer displays will provide a cost-effective approach to enhancing customer service, improving water conservation, and, most importantly, providing near real-time water usage data for Jal water utility customers. Sustainability Partners is collaborating with Resource Wise and L&T Services to install and integrate Jal’s new AMI system. 

    Ryan Mast, lead Infrastructure Partner of Sustainability Partners in New Mexico, said, “We’re thrilled to partner with the City of Jal on this important initiative. AMI technology offers a powerful solution for water conservation, and the benefits will be felt by residents and the environment for years to come.” 

    About Jal, New Mexico

    Jal, New Mexico, is a thriving community nestled in the heart of Lea County. It offers a unique blend of rich history, stunning natural beauty, and a warm, welcoming community. Founded in 1917, Jal played a significant role in the early days of Route 66, and its historic downtown still retains a nostalgic charm.

    Learn more about Jal, New Mexico.

    Media Contact:
    Molly Sanchez, CMC
    City Clerk, Jal, NM
    msanchez@cityofjal.us

    About Sustainability Partners

    Sustainability Partners (SP) is a Public Benefit Company that facilitates funding and deployment of essential infrastructure to help municipalities, universities, schools, and hospitals meet their needs. SP can help solve any combination of funding, design, engineering, procurement, installation, and maintenance of essential infrastructure with no upfront costs. Like a utility, SP charges a monthly usage fee based on a month-to-month agreement. SP’s goal is to establish long-term relationships with its customers and ensure that the infrastructure remains safe, reliable, and improving forever.

    Learn more about Sustainability Partners.

    Media Contact:
    Keli Posch
    CMO, Sustainability Partners
    kposch@s.partners
    (480) 773-3532

    Source: Sustainability Partners

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  • Water levels in main reservoirs for Bogota, Colombia, hit critically low levels

    Water levels in main reservoirs for Bogota, Colombia, hit critically low levels

    Water levels in main reservoirs for Bogota, Colombia, hit critically low levels – CBS News


    Watch CBS News



    Millions of people in Colombia’s capital were forced to start rationing water Thursday as Bogota’s main reservoirs hit critically low water levels. Aerial footage posted by the city’s mayor showed low levels in two reservoirs that supply 70% of the capital’s water.

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  • Central Valley farmers fear groundwater recharge may be hampered by state policy

    Central Valley farmers fear groundwater recharge may be hampered by state policy

    FRESNO — Much has been said of California’s two consecutive years of above-average precipitation but there are still some grumblings in California about the water supply.

    In the Central Valley, some districts say their groundwater recharge projects are getting squeezed as they await word on what kind of water deliveries they’ll get this year.

    “This is our main canal,” explained  Manny Amorelli. “This runs the length of our district, kind of like the highway, the main highway of the district.”

    Amorelli is general manager of the James Irrigation District in Fresno County.

    “Our sub-basin last year we recharged over 500,000 acre-feet of water,”  Amorelli said.

    The follow-up to last year’s big payoff has been a different story.

    “Normally this would be all filled. In a wet year we’d have this whole thing filled with water,” he said, pointing to the drying ponds. 

    The problem, according to Amorelli, is the district’s current allocation from the Central Valley Project and the Bureau of Reclamations. Initially, just 15 percent of their contract, it has since been bumped up to 35 percent.

    “It’s like every year we have to wait and hold our breath and see how much of that we’re going to get.”  Amorelli said.

    “Right here we have a barley that we planted last fall,” said Joaquin Contente. “Across the street we’ve got some winter forage.”

    Farmers like Contente are also left guessing. If the allocations are low he would normally draw from underground.

    “That’s when we start turning on the pumps to try to get as much water as you can,” Contente said. “But now, with SGMA, you can’t do that so you’ve got a depend on surface water.”

    SGMA is the state’s new groundwater sustainability plan. For Amorelli, this makes for something resembling a Catch-22. In order to keep recharging his groundwater he relies partly on the surface-water allocation.

    “Our contract amount is 35,000 acre-feet,”Amorelli explained. “If we get 75 percent of that we would have spare water to stick in the ground.”

    The bureau, which had not responded to a comment request before publication, does adjust its allocations based on things like number of storm systems and the hope is that the figures will jump again.

    “I’m hopeful,” Amorelli said. “The bureau, from what I understand, may or may not do a revised number.”

    “Most of these reservoirs are almost full,” Contente added. “So that’s a good sign.”

    For the moment, the groundwater pools sit dry, even after another healthy year of precipitation.

    “These things should be full,”  Amorelli said of the ponds.

    Wilson Walker


    web-bio-head-wilson-walker.jpg

    Wilson Walker joined KPIX 5 in July 2007. After 10 years producing newscasts, Wilson became a Multimedia Journalist (MMJ) in 2012, meaning he shoots, writes and edits all of his own stories.

    Wilson Walker

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  • One of the world’s most populated cities is nearly out of water as many go “days if not weeks” without it

    One of the world’s most populated cities is nearly out of water as many go “days if not weeks” without it

    Mexico City is home to nearly 22 million people. But for months, the sprawling city has been suffering from diminishing water supplies — and now, one of the world’s most populated cities is on the verge of a “day zero” where it will no longer have enough water to provide residents.  

    Citing the Water Basin Organization of the Valley of Mexico, local outlet La Razón de México reported last week that officials fear this “day zero” — when the Cutzamala System will no longer have enough water for residents — could come on June 26 and last until September. Locals are already struggling to have enough water, with many going “days, if not weeks, without running water in their houses,” CBS News contributor Enrique Acevedo said. 

    “There’s been water scarcity, water management, in the city that we haven’t seen in at least a decade,” he said. “Gyms here in Mexico City and other public parks had to start limiting the number of guests they have taking showers and using their facilities because a lot of people were taking advantage of their memberships to use water at those facilities.” 

    Local resident Juan Ortega told Reuters in January that among the rules implemented to try and conserve water is “cars are no longer washed.” 

    “The garden, the grass, is never watered, only the plants so that they don’t die,” he said. “We are going to start reusing water from washing machines for watering.” 

    One of The World's Most Populated Cities On The Edge of Water Scarcity
    A woman fills a bucket with bottled water at an apartment unit in the Las Peñas neighborhood in Iztapalapa on February 27, 2024 in Mexico City, Mexico.

    TOYA SARNO JORDAN / Getty Images


    Arturo Gracia, who runs a coffee shop in the area, said that his business has to pay for a water truck to supply water to toilets and other essentials. 

    “It’s affecting us a lot,” he said. “And I don’t think it’s just us. This is happening in several neighborhoods.” 

    These issues have been exacerbated as Mexico City battled high temperatures last week. Mexico City’s water system SACMEX said on Feb. 27 that temperatures were recorded as high as nearly 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This week, temperatures are expected to reach nearly 90 degrees Fahrenheit with minimal cloud coverage, according to The Weather Channel. 

    It’s an “unprecedented situation,” Rafael Carmona, director of SACMEX, told Reuters, with a lack of rain being a major factor. Rainfall in the region has decreased over the past four to five years, he said, leading to low storage in local dams. A lack of overall water in the supply systems, combined with the high population, created “something that we had not experienced during this administration, nor in previous administrations,” he said. 

    Most of Mexico is experiencing some form of drought, with many areas experiencing the highest levels of “extreme” and “exceptional,” according to the country’s drought monitor. In October, 75% of the country was experiencing drought, the Associated Press reported, while the country’s rainy season doesn’t start until around May. 

    One of The World's Most Populated Cities On The Edge of Water Scarcity
    Women wash clothes on the dry banks of the Villa Victoria dam, which is at 30.5 percent of its capacity on February 28, 2024 in Villa Victoria, Mexico. 

    / Getty Images


    On top of the drought, Acevedo said that “poor water management” has also been a major contributor to the problem. 

    “We’ve had a lot of underwater leaks. … Some figures say up to 40% of the water that’s been wasted in the city comes from underground leaks. There’s also some residential leaks,” he said. 

    Several leaks were reported by SACMEX at the beginning of February, which the supplier said it was working to correct. Many of those leaks were “caused by variations in the pressures of the hydraulic network,” SACMEX said. 

    Not everyone, however, believes “day zero” will come so soon. Mexico’s President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said the government will be able to increase the water supply enough to avoid such an event this year, La Razón de México reported. Other researchers believe it’s something that could happen in the years ahead. 

    “It’s not that we have a day zero coming up,” Acevedo said, “but certainly we haven’t seen things be as bad as they are right now in a while.”  

    Li Cohen


    li.jpg

    Li Cohen is a social media producer and trending content writer for CBS News.

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  • Sacramento announces new watering rules that will take effect on March 1

    Sacramento announces new watering rules that will take effect on March 1

    (FOX40.COM) — Efforts to conserve water continue in Sacramento with new watering rules that will go into effect on March 1.
    •Video Above: California uses innovation to improve groundwater storage

    Residents and businesses in the city of Sacramento are required to follow a seasonal schedule when watering areas using sprinklers, per city ordinance:

    Spring and summer schedule:

    •Customers with even-numbered addresses can water on Wednesday and Sunday.
    •Customers with odd-numbered addresses can water on Tuesday and Saturday. Watering must be done before 10 a.m. and/or after 7 p.m.
    •Watering is not allowed 48 hours after one-eighths inch of rain.

    The spring and summer water scheduling is effective from from March 1 to Oct. 31.

    Fall and winter schedule:

    •Watering is allowed one day per week, on Saturday or Sunday, at any time of day.
    •No weekday watering is permitted.

    The fall and winter water schedule is effective from Nov. 1 to Feb. 28, 2025.

    Exemptions:

    There are several exemptions to the city’s watering schedule:

    •Drip irrigation watering with a hose and spray nozzle.
    •Smart controllers that have been validated by city staff. 
    •Potted plants.
    •Edible gardens.
    •New landscaping, up to 30 days after installation.
    •When there are two or more consecutive days above 100 degrees.

    For more information visit www.cityofsacramento.gov.

    Veronica Catlin

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  • How to Water Your Garden With Flood Irrigation

    How to Water Your Garden With Flood Irrigation

    If your property has access to flood irrigation, you know the benefits of deep watering for your landscape plants and trees. However, flooding your garden every 13 days may not be practical for watering raised beds and vegetable gardens. There is a way to water your garden using flood irrigation water that works well. This blog post explains how to install a flood irrigation system to effectively water your garden and raised beds. 

    How to Water Your Garden With Flood Irrigation

    After the initial effort and investment, it is a low-cost solution for watering your garden. Not only does this method avoid the chemicals associated with treated water, but it is also much less expensive for the home gardener. Let’s dive into how to water your garden and yard using flood irrigation.

    What is flood irrigation?

    Flood irrigation is a system that captures and uses excess water from rainfall or snowmelt and provides a natural, chemical-free water source for your plants.

    How to Water Your Garden With Flood IrrigationHow to Water Your Garden With Flood Irrigation

    In the Phoenix Valley, most irrigation water originates from SRP’s 13,000-square-mile watershed. It channels melted snow and rain into the Verde and Salt rivers. SRP then routes the irrigation water to the customer through lakes, dams, canals, and laterals.1

    How to Water Your Garden With Flood IrrigationHow to Water Your Garden With Flood Irrigation

    Homeowners in flood-irrigated areas have access to irrigation runs every 13 days with a dry-up period (for canal repairs) during the winter. The average cost for irrigation water is $6.80 per hour.

    According to AMWUA, ”about 22,000 homeowners receive flood irrigation or about 5 percent of SRP lands.”2

    How to Water Your Garden With Flood IrrigationHow to Water Your Garden With Flood Irrigation

    My property does not have flood irrigation (I wish it did!), but my neighbor Larry Burnett‘s property does. I’m sharing the method he developed to use flood irrigation to water his garden.

    Larry cleared the use of this method for his property with the Roosevelt Water Conservation District. Check with local authorities to ensure you comply with local laws or water regulations. 

    What are the benefits of flood-irrigated water? 

    Flood irrigation offers a cost-effective, untreated water source rich in nutrients that promotes robust root systems by storing water deeper in the soil, reducing the need for frequent watering and saline buildup. This method helps protect vegetation from drought and significantly reduces water evaporation compared to traditional sprinklers.1

    What are the challenges of using flood irrigation to water your garden? 

    • Gardens often need watering more often than every 13 days. 
    • You need more control over the amount of water than flooding with irrigated water offers. 
    • Flood irrigation relies on gravity, so water can’t reach raised beds or other elevated areas. 
    How to Water Your Garden With Flood IrrigationHow to Water Your Garden With Flood Irrigation

    How to water your garden and landscape plants with flood irrigation

    1. Install a storage tank (or multiple tanks, depending on your water needs) and an internal pump 

    Select a tank (or tanks) based on your water needs. Check your water bill to get an idea of your outdoor landscape usage. Choose a location close to your sprinkler system if possible. Tanks should be opaque to prevent algae growth.

    Install an internal pump (you’ll need to add electricity) to the tank. The pump will provide the water pressure to the drip lines.

    Each tank needs:

    • Electrical line (to run the pump)
    • City water line
    • Sprinkler line
    • 2-inch PVC hose connection
    • Overflow
    • Drain
    How to Water Your Garden With Flood IrrigationHow to Water Your Garden With Flood Irrigation

    2. Connect the tank to your sprinkler system and city water

    Connect the tank and irrigation water to the existing sprinkler system. The tank then becomes an additional source, along with the city water for the sprinkler system.

    Connect the tank to the incoming city water. This allows you to fill the tank with city water if needed. Install a switch on the line to your sprinkler system to enable switching between city water and irrigation water.

    How to Water Your Garden With Flood IrrigationHow to Water Your Garden With Flood Irrigation

    3. Fill the tank each time you have irrigation 

    How to Water Your Garden With Flood IrrigationHow to Water Your Garden With Flood Irrigation

    When it’s your turn for irrigation, use an external pump to fill the tank.

    • Attach the pump’s hose to the irrigation source.
    • Run the 2-inch PVC discharge hose from the pump to your water storage tank.
    • Attach the hose to your tank.
    • Turn on the pump and fill up the tank. 
    How to Water Your Garden With Flood IrrigationHow to Water Your Garden With Flood Irrigation

    A pump and 2-inch line allow Larry to fill his tank in 20-30 minutes during his regular irrigation runs.  

    How to Water Your Garden With Flood IrrigationHow to Water Your Garden With Flood Irrigation

    Larry also suggests running your sprinklers and drips during the time you have irrigation while you are filling up your tank. This takes full advantage of water coming into your yard during your irrigation slot.

    How to Water Your Garden With Flood IrrigationHow to Water Your Garden With Flood Irrigation

    4. Use water from the tank to water your yard and garden

    The internal pump provides the water pressure (especially as the tank empties) for the drip lines. It may take some experimentation to figure out the correct water pressure.

    Ideally, your water pressure using the tank / or incoming city water is the same. If the pressure is different, your watering times will vary based on which water source you are using.

    Adjust your valves as needed so you know how much water you use and how long it takes to water your garden and drip system. 

    How to Water Your Garden With Flood IrrigationHow to Water Your Garden With Flood Irrigation

     5. Switch to city water as needed if the tank empties

    If you run out of stored flood irrigation water, switch back to using city water.

    Look at ways to lower your water usage or install an additional tank if you run out and use city water between each irrigation cycle.

    How to Water Your Garden With Flood IrrigationHow to Water Your Garden With Flood Irrigation

    Thank you to Larry Burnett for contributing to this post. 

    Larry Burnett is a retired Administrator from Banner Health and a Partner from KPMG. Larry has lived in Arizona since 1984 and gardened here extensively. 

    He is a Master Gardener through the University of Arizona and a mentor for Master Gardener students. His favorite time of the day is when he is outside in his greenhouse, garden, and flower beds.

    Greenhouse Tips for Hot Summer ClimatesGreenhouse Tips for Hot Summer Climates

    If this post about how to water your garden with flood irrigation was helpful, please share it:

    How to Water Your Garden With Flood IrrigationHow to Water Your Garden With Flood Irrigation

    Sources:

    1. https://blog.srpnet.com/managing-flood-irrigation/
    2. https://www.amwua.org/blog/why-are-we-still-using-flood-irrigation-in-the-desert

    Resources:

    Angela Judd

    Source link

  • How to Water Your Garden With Flood Irrigation

    How to Water Your Garden With Flood Irrigation

    If your property has access to flood irrigation, you know the benefits of deep watering for your landscape plants and trees. However, flooding your garden every 13 days may not be practical for watering raised beds and vegetable gardens. There is a way to water your garden using flood irrigation water that works well. This blog post explains how to install a flood irrigation system to effectively water your garden and raised beds. 

    How to Water Your Garden With Flood Irrigation

    After the initial effort and investment, it is a low-cost solution for watering your garden. Not only does this method avoid the chemicals associated with treated water, but it is also much less expensive for the home gardener. Let’s dive into how to water your garden and yard using flood irrigation.

    What is flood irrigation?

    Flood irrigation is a system that captures and uses excess water from rainfall or snowmelt and provides a natural, chemical-free water source for your plants.

    How to Water Your Garden With Flood IrrigationHow to Water Your Garden With Flood Irrigation

    In the Phoenix Valley, most irrigation water originates from SRP’s 13,000-square-mile watershed. It channels melted snow and rain into the Verde and Salt rivers. SRP then routes the irrigation water to the customer through lakes, dams, canals, and laterals.1

    How to Water Your Garden With Flood IrrigationHow to Water Your Garden With Flood Irrigation

    Homeowners in flood-irrigated areas have access to irrigation runs every 13 days with a dry-up period (for canal repairs) during the winter.  The average cost for irrigation water is $6.80 per hour.

    According to AMWUA, ”about 22,000 homeowners receive flood irrigation or about 5 percent of SRP lands.”2

    How to Water Your Garden With Flood IrrigationHow to Water Your Garden With Flood Irrigation

    My property does not have flood irrigation (I wish it did!), but my neighbor Larry Burnett‘s property does. I’m sharing the method he developed to use flood irrigation to water his garden.

    He cleared the use of this method with the Roosevelt Water Conservation District. Check with local authorities to ensure you comply with local laws or water regulations. 

    What are the benefits of flood-irrigated water? 

    Flood irrigation offers a cost-effective, untreated water source rich in nutrients that promotes robust root systems by storing water deeper in the soil, reducing the need for frequent watering and saline buildup. This method helps protect vegetation from drought and significantly reduces water evaporation compared to traditional sprinklers.1

    What are the challenges of using flood irrigation to water your garden? 

    • Gardens often need watering more often than every 13 days. 
    • You need more control over the amount of water than flooding with irrigated water offers. 
    • Flood irrigation relies on gravity, so water can’t reach raised beds or other elevated areas. 
    How to Water Your Garden With Flood IrrigationHow to Water Your Garden With Flood Irrigation

    How to water your garden and landscape plants with flood irrigation

    1. Install a storage tank (or multiple tanks, depending on your water needs) and an internal pump 

    Select as large a tank as will fit in your space. Choose a location close to your sprinkler system if possible. A 1750-gallon tank holds up to 2000 gallons when full.

    How to Water Your Garden With Flood IrrigationHow to Water Your Garden With Flood Irrigation

    2. Connect the tank to your sprinkler system

    Connect the tank and irrigation water to the existing sprinkler system. Install a switch to enable switching between city water and irrigation water. 

    How to Water Your Garden With Flood IrrigationHow to Water Your Garden With Flood Irrigation

    3. Fill the tank each time you have irrigation 

    How to Water Your Garden With Flood IrrigationHow to Water Your Garden With Flood Irrigation

    When it’s your turn for irrigation, use an external pump to fill the tank. Run a 2-inch PVC discharge hose from the pump to your tank. Turn on the pump and fill up the tank. 

    How to Water Your Garden With Flood IrrigationHow to Water Your Garden With Flood Irrigation

    A pump and 2-inch line allow Larry to fill his tank in 20-30 minutes during his regular irrigation runs.  

    How to Water Your Garden With Flood IrrigationHow to Water Your Garden With Flood Irrigation

    Larry also suggests running your sprinklers and drips during the time you have irrigation while you are filling up your tank. This takes full advantage of water coming into your yard during your irrigation slot.

    How to Water Your Garden With Flood IrrigationHow to Water Your Garden With Flood Irrigation

    4. Use water from the tank to water your yard and garden. 

    The internal pump provides the water pressure (especially as the tank empties). It may take some experimentation to figure out the correct water pressure. Adjust your valves as needed so you know how much water you use and how long it takes to water your garden and drip system. 

    How to Water Your Garden With Flood IrrigationHow to Water Your Garden With Flood Irrigation

     5. Switch to city water as needed if the tank empties

    If you run out of stored irrigation water, switch back to using city water from the storage water. Install an additional tank if you run out and use city water between each irrigation cycle.

    How to Water Your Garden With Flood IrrigationHow to Water Your Garden With Flood Irrigation

    Thank you to Larry Burnett for contributing to this post. 

    Larry Burnett is a retired Administrator from Banner Health and a Partner from KPMG. Larry has lived in Arizona since 1984 and gardened here extensively. 

    He is a Master Gardener through the University of Arizona and a mentor for Master Gardener students. His favorite time of the day is when he is outside in his greenhouse, garden, and flower beds.

    Greenhouse Tips for Hot Summer ClimatesGreenhouse Tips for Hot Summer Climates

    If this post about how to water your garden with flood irrigation was helpful, please share it:

    How to Water Your Garden With Flood IrrigationHow to Water Your Garden With Flood Irrigation

    Sources:

    1. https://blog.srpnet.com/managing-flood-irrigation/
    2. https://www.amwua.org/blog/why-are-we-still-using-flood-irrigation-in-the-desert

    Resources:

    Angela Judd

    Source link

  • Sunken Garden Beds: Water-Wise Gardening in the Desert

    Sunken Garden Beds: Water-Wise Gardening in the Desert

    Article and photos by Kara Adams

    I’ve spent the last year building new sunken garden beds in Southern Arizona. I live in the Sonoran Desert, about 25 miles from the Mexico border. This region is very hot from May through October. We do get monsoon rains from July through September, but it is very dry otherwise.

    Sunken Garden Beds: Water-Wise Gardening in the Desert

    The heat, intense sun, and dry conditions create challenging conditions for gardening. However, it is possible to create a productive garden in the desert. I want to share how I’ve been able to do just that.

    To begin, I had a few requirements:

    • Water Efficiency: I needed to find a way to use as little water as possible. I didn’t want to spend several hours and hundreds of dollars every month watering this new space.
    • Time Efficiency: I needed to find a time-efficient way to maintain my new garden. I work, so a high-maintenance garden was not for me.
    • Productivity – I wanted to maximize the space to grow as much as possible. This would allow me to eat fresh, organic produce in season.

    That’s a tall order for a little desert garden. I began experimenting to find a way to meet all 3 of those requirements.

    History of Basin Beds in the Sonoran Desert

    Sunken Garden Beds: Water-Wise Gardening in the Desert - History of Sunken Garden Beds in the Sonoran DesertSunken Garden Beds: Water-Wise Gardening in the Desert - History of Sunken Garden Beds in the Sonoran Desert

    I am fascinated by the relationship between people, plants, and places in the Southwest region.  The Sonoran Desert is the most biodiverse desert on earth, and I love living here. Isn’t it amazing that 3500 species of plants, 500 species of birds, and 1,000 species of bees call this beautiful region home? I’m learning all I can about the history of this place and the people who thrived in such a beautiful yet challenging environment.

    Sunken Garden Beds: Water-Wise Gardening in the Desert - History of Sunken Garden Beds in the Sonoran DesertSunken Garden Beds: Water-Wise Gardening in the Desert - History of Sunken Garden Beds in the Sonoran Desert

    The U.S. Forest Service defines ethnobotany as “the study of how people of a particular culture and region use indigenous (native) plants.” 

    Through Gary Nabhan’s book, I began learning about many different gardening methods in arid climates. One of them stood out as a possibility for my garden: basin beds, also known as sunken beds.

    Sunken Garden Beds: Water-Wise Gardening in the Desert - History of Sunken Garden Beds in the Sonoran DesertSunken Garden Beds: Water-Wise Gardening in the Desert - History of Sunken Garden Beds in the Sonoran Desert

    What is a sunken garden bed or basin bed?

    Basin or sunken garden beds were used by the indigenous peoples in this part of the Southwest. Basin beds function just as any traditional garden bed or raised bed, but are recessed or sunken. 

    Sunken beds are dug down several inches, allowing irrigation water to slowly sink in rather than run off and keep soil and roots cooler during hot seasons. 

    Since I didn’t have to construct a raised bed, the start-up costs were low. Using a basin-style sunken bed would help me with the water and heat challenges, but what about the time efficiency and productivity piece?

    Combining Sunken Garden Beds with Square Foot GardeningCombining Sunken Garden Beds with Square Foot Gardening

    I’m sure many of you have heard of the square foot gardening method, introduced in 1981 on a wide scale when Mel Bartholomew published his book, “Square Foot Gardening.” In this book, Bartholomew introduced a straightforward method to save time, effort, and space in gardening. 

    Instead of long rows and wide paths between, he focused on using a 4ft by 4 ft square to grow intensively in a small space. Along with the 4×4 design, Bartholomew increased productivity through intercropping, succession planting, and amending the soil. If you haven’t read this book and want to garden in a small space, on a small budget, or with a busy life, I highly recommend it. 

    I combined the two methods, sunken basin beds and square foot gardening, into one hybrid method. Maybe then I could get all the benefits of each.

    Sunken Garden Beds Step One: Test Your Soil

    An in-ground garden bed will only be as good as its soil, so the first thing I did was take some soil samples. A local lab tested the soil to give me an idea of the soil makeup and which amendments I needed to add. I chose the “Complete Soil Test with Soil Amendment Recommendations” for $85, which included a nutrient analysis of my soil profile and amendment suggestions. 

    Sunken Garden Beds: Water-Wise Gardening in the DesertSunken Garden Beds: Water-Wise Gardening in the Desert

    I started with a very bleak space; not much of anything was growing here, except for wild amaranth and Bermuda grass, so I was surprised when the test results came in a few days later, showing I didn’t need to amend much. 

    Sunken Garden Beds Step Two: Remove Unwanted Vegetation and Weeds

    My chosen garden area had Bermuda grass that needed removal before installing the new beds. The simplest way to remove vegetation is to use solar energy to do the hard work, something we have plenty of in the Southwest.

    Two methods create a greenhouse effect and work well for this task: solarization and occultation. 

    Solarization controls unwanted vegetation by covering the area with clear plastic. The 2 – 6 mil thickness plastic allows solar energy to penetrate, heating up the soil and creating a greenhouse effect that smothers the vegetation in as little as 3 weeks. 

    Occultation is similar to solarization but uses a black plastic tarp instead of a clear one. This process takes longer as the black material absorbs solar energy and reduces the heat passed to the vegetation. A heavy opaque plastic, called a silage tarp, is used and the process takes 4-6 weeks.

    An additional benefit of both solarization and occultation is the reduction of pathogen and nematode populations in the soil below.

    Sunken Garden Beds: Water-Wise Gardening in the DesertSunken Garden Beds: Water-Wise Gardening in the Desert

    I used occultation and laid a thick silage tarp to cook the weeds and seeds underneath for 6 weeks. When I removed the tarp, just like magic, there was nothing but bare earth and some decomposing plant material.

    Sunken Garden Beds Step Three: Make a Plan for the Space

    I planned just four beds in the beginning. Every gardener knows that plans tend to grow exponentially, and I ended up with twelve beds. For now, let’s focus on those first four beds! 

    Sunken Garden Beds Step Four: Dig Out Beds and Add Compost

    I measured out and marked an exact 4ft x 4ft square. After digging down 6 inches, I removed that soil. I mixed the native soil with compost in a 50/50 mix and then filled the beds with a little of that mixture. I ended up with a bed recessed by about 4 inches. 

    Sunken Garden Beds: Water-Wise Gardening in the DesertSunken Garden Beds: Water-Wise Gardening in the Desert

    Now, you may be thinking…“wouldn’t doing that remove all the good soil you had tested?” The answer is…not at all! When doing a soil test, you dig down about 6 inches to the root zone, where the plant will be accessing all that goodness. That is still there once I dig out the top, so what I’m doing is adding some amendment in the form of compost to the top while leaving the soil in the root zone intact. 

    Sunken Garden Beds Step Five: Create Pathways Between Beds

    My backyard is covered in Bermuda grass, and if you’ve ever dealt with it, you know it’s tough to eliminate. I decided to cover the ground with landscape fabric around the garden beds and then layer wood chips to smother and suppress the Bermuda grass. This was after using a silage tarp for occultation before beginning the garden project. That’s how tough it is to get rid of the stuff!

    Generally, I don’t like to use landscape fabric. I think it’s best for soil health to cover the ground with a thick layer of untreated wood chips. This keeps weeds in check and adds organic matter to the soil as the wood breaks down. When planning this garden area, I made an exception. 

    Generally, I don’t like to use landscape fabric. I think it’s best for soil health to cover the ground with a thick layer of untreated wood chips. This keeps weeds in check and adds organic matter to the soil as the wood breaks down. When planning this garden area, I made an exception. Generally, I don’t like to use landscape fabric. I think it’s best for soil health to cover the ground with a thick layer of untreated wood chips. This keeps weeds in check and adds organic matter to the soil as the wood breaks down. When planning this garden area, I made an exception. 
    Sunken Square Garden Beds Step Six: Add a Square Foot Garden Grid and BorderSunken Square Garden Beds Step Six: Add a Square Foot Garden Grid and Border

    Once the beds were dug and amended, I needed to make a square-foot garden grid. To save time in measuring, I made a template grid that I could use each time I plant a new bed. I used 4ft. green plastic garden stakes, measured and marked 1 ft sections, and fastened them with outdoor-rated zip ties that will withstand the high UV here better. Using a grid template allowed me to plant each square quickly.

    I used the tons of rock around my property as a border for all of my garden beds. It’s rustic, but I’m happy with the results. Best of all, it was free! 

    Sunken Garden Beds Step Seven: Plant Desert-Adapted Varieties 

    Sunken Garden Beds: Water-Wise Gardening in the Desert - Sunken Garden Beds Step Seven: Plant Desert-Adapted Varieties Sunken Garden Beds: Water-Wise Gardening in the Desert - Sunken Garden Beds Step Seven: Plant Desert-Adapted Varieties 

    The next step was to select varieties of plants that are well-suited to this region of southern Arizona. I start nearly all my plants from seed, but if you don’t want to sow seeds, many great organizations in the area sell arid-adapted seedlings at seasonal plant sales. 

    After moving from the Midwest nearly 20 years ago, one of the first gardening lessons I learned was that what grew there probably won’t grow here. Varieties matter, so choose wisely! There are so many varieties that perform well here. Don’t be afraid to explore!

    I planted herbs and flowers amongst my vegetables (polyculture style), hoping this would give a habitat to many different pollinators and beneficial insects.

    Sunken Garden Beds Step Eight: Add Mulch and Shade 

    Sunken Garden Beds Step Eight: Add Mulch and Shade Sunken Garden Beds Step Eight: Add Mulch and Shade 

    Next, I added mulch to the top to prevent moisture loss and shade cloth in certain areas.

    I use shade cloth when planting new seedlings. The sun here is very intense, and it takes those little seedlings a while to toughen up. Shade cloth is also important to use in certain seasons for established plants. 

    Adding Long Basin Beds

    Sunken Garden Beds: Water-Wise Gardening in the Desert - Adding More Sunken Beds: Long Basin BedsSunken Garden Beds: Water-Wise Gardening in the Desert - Adding More Sunken Beds: Long Basin Beds

    Late this summer, I dug a new bed – the garden is never done, remember? This time I wanted to experiment with a long basin bed, rather than a 4×4 square. The new garden bed was 3 feet wide and 28 feet long. 

    I am a little (okay, a lot) obsessed with the beauty and variety of dried beans and wanted to grow them. So, I added a new long bed with a cattle panel down the middle. This would allow me to grow pole beans down the center and other crops along the bottom.

    Sunken Garden Beds: Water-Wise Gardening in the Desert - Adding More Sunken Beds: Long Basin BedsSunken Garden Beds: Water-Wise Gardening in the Desert - Adding More Sunken Beds: Long Basin Beds

    I made the most of that space, growing beans, okra, squash, roselle, and zinnias. This bed became a superhighway of butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. It was a great success; I’m putting in a second long bed this fall. Because, you guessed it, the garden is never done!

    The Result: A Thriving Garden in the Desert 

    Sunken Garden Beds: Water-Wise Gardening in the DesertSunken Garden Beds: Water-Wise Gardening in the Desert

    Overall, I’m so pleased with the results of this gardening season. I’ve happily watched this dusty, bare backyard transform into a space alive with color and the hum of pollinators. I’ve learned a few lessons, of course, that I’ll change next season, but that’s true of any garden. I don’t think a garden is ever truly finished – there is always something new to learn and just one more plant to add. 

    Most importantly, I’ve done almost no weeding and only had to water the beds twice a week during the hottest part of the year. As the temperatures cool, I will change the watering schedule to once a week. This winter, I’ll install rainwater harvesting tanks to water the garden, reducing the water I must pay for.

    Sunken garden beds are an effective, water-wise, efficient, and affordable option for any space

    • Even if you have a small space, one of these sunken square-foot garden beds will allow you to grow a surprising amount of food.
    • If you have little money to start a garden, this method can fit any budget.
    • If you’re short on time, gardening this way can be done in just a few minutes a day. 

    I hope this encourages you that any space, no matter the size, the climate, or the time constraints, can be a place for you to sow your dreams.

    Kara Adams is a gardener and writer from the Southwest who is passionate about the interconnection between plants, people, and places.Kara Adams is a gardener and writer from the Southwest who is passionate about the interconnection between plants, people, and places.

    Kara Adams is a gardener and writer from the Southwest who is passionate about the interconnection between plants, people, and places. Her love for all things growing has blossomed into a lifelong commitment to the art and science of gardening.

    Kara is an advocate for sustainable gardening practices and environmental stewardship. She creates written content and educational videos on Sonoran Desert plants, gardening practices, and soil health. Her topics include organic gardening, pollinator-friendly landscapes, and water-efficient gardening practices.
    Follow Kara on her journey through the garden, where her love for it continues to bloom, one word and video at a time. You can follow along with her journey on YouTube and Instagram.

    If this post about how to garden in sunken basin beds was helpful, please share it:

    Sunken Garden Beds: Water-Wise Gardening in the DesertSunken Garden Beds: Water-Wise Gardening in the Desert
    Sunken Garden Beds: Water-Wise Gardening in the DesertSunken Garden Beds: Water-Wise Gardening in the Desert

    Angela Judd

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  • Arizona to halt some new home construction due to water supply issues

    Arizona to halt some new home construction due to water supply issues

    Phoenix, Arizona — The population of Arizona’s Maricopa County — which includes the Phoenix metropolitan area — skyrocketed by 15% in the last decade. But now, the county could see a troubling flatline.

    New construction that relies on groundwater will stop in some parts of the state after a report from the Arizona Department of Water Resources released earlier this month revealed Arizona’s booming population will outgrow its drought-stricken water supply if action isn’t taken.

    Specifically, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs announced earlier this month that the state will put the brakes on new home construction in the area surrounding Phoenix, but not within the city of Phoenix itself. 

    “This pause will not affect growth within any of our major cities,” Hobbs said in a news conference following the report’s release. 

    The new state plan will immediately impact the surrounding suburbs of Phoenix, which includes towns like Queen Creek. While projects permitted before the announcement will not be impacted, 9,000 undeveloped properties without a secure water supply will remain vacant. 

    “It’s been an issue that we’ve been dealing with in Arizona from the very beginning,” carpenter Rick Collins told CBS News of the water supply. “It’s how it works here. If we don’t have water, we can’t build these communities.”

    In Maricopa County alone, an estimated two billion gallons of water are used daily, according to numbers from the U.S. Geological Survey. That’s nearly twice as much use as New York City, which has about double Maricopa County’s population of approximately 4.5 million people.

    “Of course we have concern, our council has been looking forward into the future knowing that this day was going to come,” said Paul Gardner, wastewater director for Queen Creek.

    Gardner doesn’t see the region as in decline, but instead as “a community that is evolving.”

    That evolution means relying more on reclaimed wastewater projects and spending tens of millions of dollars to buy water from the Colorado River.
     
    However, climate change and growing demand across the West are also shrinking the Colorado River, which means the river as a water source could be cut off down the road. Last month, California, Arizona and Nevada reached a tentative agreement that would significantly cut their water use from the river over the next three years.

    Meanwhile, Kathryn Sorensen, director of research at the Kyle Center for Water Policy, said Arizona’s own plan to limit construction ensures there is enough water for all, as Arizona adapts to a world with less of it.

    “It is a proactive plan,” Sorensen said. “It is not reactive.”

    Jonathan Vigliotti


    Jonathan Vigliotti

    Jonathan Vigliotti is a CBS News correspondent based in Los Angeles. He previously served as a foreign correspondent for the network’s London bureau.

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  • Indian official in hot water for draining reservoir to find his phone

    Indian official in hot water for draining reservoir to find his phone

    An Indian official has been suspended from his job for wasting hundreds of thousands of gallons of water after ordering a reservoir drained in a bid to find his cellphone.

    Rajesh Vishwas, a food inspector with the Chhattisgarh state government, dropped his phone in the Paralkot reservoir — a scenic spot in central India — last weekend as he tried to take a selfie.

    He first sent divers into the reservoir, but when they failed to find his $1,200 Samsung phone, he ordered the entire reservoir drained.

    It took diesel-run pumps more than three days to drain the roughly 530,000 gallons of water from the reservoir. They found his phone at the bottom, but to Vishwas’ disappointment, it had stopped working.

    The officer claimed his phone contained sensitive government information and that he had permission to drain the reservoir. But the state government said no such permission was granted and accused him of misusing his position and wasting fresh water at a time when it’s sorely needed.

    Parts of north and central India are currently facing a heat wave, resulting in water shortages for millions of people.

    The water Vishwas ordered pumped out of the reservoir would have been used for irrigating farm fields.

    Seeking to defend himself, Vishwas claimed the water was “wastewater unfit for irrigation,” and that “no farmer was affected” by his action.

    His suspension was to remain in place pending a full investigation.

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  • California, Arizona and Nevada reach deal to conserve Colorado River

    California, Arizona and Nevada reach deal to conserve Colorado River

    California, Arizona and Nevada reach deal to conserve Colorado River – CBS News


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    Three of the seven Colorado River states – California, Arizona and Nevada – have agreed to cut their water usage by 3 million acre-feet by 2026. Some 40 million people and more than two dozen Native American tribes depend on the Colorado River. CBS News senior national and environmental correspondent Ben Tracy breaks down the details of the historic deal.

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  • The world’s largest surfing wave pool just opened in Oahu as Hawaiians continue to face a water crisis

    The world’s largest surfing wave pool just opened in Oahu as Hawaiians continue to face a water crisis

    Oahu, the Hawaiian island known for having some of the best surfing in the world, has a new site on its shoreline — a freshwater pool dubbed the “world’s largest deep-water standing surf wave.” But the wave pool, filled with water from the fragile aquifer, opened amid an ongoing water crisis, riling up many who say the tourist attraction arrives as locals are suffering. 

    Wai Kai Commerical Development announced the pool in January 2021 as part of a $40 million recreation hub called The LineUp at WaiKai. The group said it’s the “world’s largest deep-water standing surf wave” called Wai Kai Wave – measuring 100 feet wide – and that hub also features a 52-acre recreational lagoon that will each be “first-of-its-kind attractions.” 

    The Ewa Beach wave pool holds 1.7 million gallons of fresh water – the amount equivalent to about 2.5 Olympic-sized swimming pools. And the water for it was taken from the aquifer, a resource that’s become increasingly fragile on the island as recent and wide-scale water contamination events and environmental issues have strained locals’ ability to access fresh water for their basic day-to-day needs.

    Shane-Beschen
    Shane Beschen Surfing The Wai Kai Wave

    Handout


    “Forever chemicals” in wave pool water source

    Larry Caster, director of retail development at Wai Kai, told CBS News that the water in the pool comes is provided by the city and county of Honolulu via the Makakilo Well, which is also used to provide water to residents and businesses in the area. The decision to use this water source, he said, was made “after consulting with scientists and others.”

    And its use of that well only highlights a major problem that has been plaguing the island’s freshwater system: PFAS. 

    Also known as “forever chemicals,” per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are human-made chemicals that take a significantly long period of time to break down and are found in many areas of daily life, allowing them to easily build up in the body and the environment. 

    These contaminants have been making headlines in Hawaii after it was discovered that about 1,100 gallons of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) were released from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam’s Red Hill Bulk Storage Facility in November 2022, releasing excessive levels of PFAS into the surrounding area. That same storage facility, situated less than 20 miles away, is also the site of a massive jet fuel leak in 2021. 

    In February, the state’s Department of Health announced that the Makakilo Well was found to have at least one of the thousands of types of these chemicals in its water – Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA). This substance, the DOH said, is “not a regulated drinking water contaminant” and is one of several “PFAS of concern” that’s been found widespread in the environment and requires further study. 

    screen-shot-2023-03-28-at-12-02-38-pm.png
    PFAS detections in drinking water reported to the Hawaii Department of Health as of February 24, 2023.

    Hawaii Department of Health


    They did say that the amount of the contaminant found in the well was “well below” environmental action level standards, but those standards are set by the state and the chemical was not included in the EPA’s recent proposal for a first-ever national limit on PFAS in drinking water.

    “Although long-term consumption of drinking water with PFAS could be a health risk, the low levels of PFAS in the Ewa-Waianae water system are not an acute health threat,” the Department of Health said in February. “No immediate action is necessary for the system’s users. However, those concerned may use a home filtration option to reduce PFAS.”

    A spokesperson for The LineUp told CBS News that the wave pool operates under the same rules as swimming pools in Hawaii and as such, is “regularly tested and treated as required by the Hawaii State Department of Health.” 

    They have not yet responded to CBS News’ request about the last testing date and the PFAS levels recorded.

    “A sore spot for our community” 

    The Honolulu Board of Water Supply, which has voiced significant concern about the island’s water issues, approved the opening of Wai Kai Wave – but not without pause. 

    Ernest Lau, manager and chief engineer of the Board of Water Supply, told CBS News that the wave pool’s opening is “unfortunate,” but those in charge of the site had a long-standing water meter and the board doesn’t have policies that say pools such as this are not allowed. 

    “The wave pool, that’s a sore spot for our community,” he said. “And we’re learning from that.”

    With nearly 1 million people who reside on the island of Oahu and millions more who visit every year, conserving fresh water is crucial.

    “As an island state, Hawaii has limited access to natural fresh water supplies,” the state’s Commission on Water Resource Management says on its website. “Competition for fresh water, increasing population and development pressures, the rising awareness of environmental water needs, and the impacts of global climate change require that Hawaii become as efficient as possible in its uses of limited fresh water supplies.” 

    The island has long struggled with droughts, and in recent years has seen “severe” circumstances, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Although not currently in such conditions, 47% of the state’s streamflow sites are below normal, according to the USGS.

    Lau told CBS News the wave pool is no exception to water conservation efforts.

    “It is going to use a lot of fresh water to fill the pool. And every five years, they’re going to have to change that water in the pool, so it is a large use of fresh water periodically,” Lau said, adding that developers told him using seawater or recycled wastewater instead “was not an option they really could handle.” 

    The Board of Water Supply has urged the developers to “practice good water conservation,” Lau said, but ultimately the decision to do so is “up to them.” 

    But should there be a shortage and the board imposes water restrictions, wave pool operators “would also have to cut back on their usage like everybody else,” Lau said.

    The LineUp developers do have a number of sustainability efforts they have or plan to implement, including plans to become a Sustainable Tourism and Outdoors Kit for Evaluation (STOKE)-certified surf park. Caster said they will also donate money to water and marine life restoration programs and will not allow single-use plastics on the property. 

    But for local resident and water rights activist Healani Sonoda-Pale, the opening of the wave pool is “insanity.” 

    “They’re opening the largest wave pool on the island of Oahu in a water crisis,” she told CBS News. “…They’re 100 feet away from families who don’t have access to clean drinking water. And there you see the dichotomy of the haves and the have-nots of how industry will continue, despite the fact that their neighbors are suffering.” 

    In the nearby residential area Kapilina Beach Homes, residents there have experienced water contamination issues since jet fuel leaked into the water system from Red Hill in 2021. As of November, many people there – which is about 5 miles from The LineUp – were still reporting signs of contamination, according to local reports, and volunteers continue to distribute bottled water at the homes every month. 

    “It’s right next to a surf spot. It’s not needed,” Sonoda-Pale said of The LineUp. “It’s a waste of clean drinking water and it’s all serving the tourist industry.” 

    Wayne Tanaka, director of the Sierra Club of Hawaii, told CBS News the wave pool is a “bizarre arrangement.” 

    “Using potable water in the middle of a water crisis to support this profit-seeking enterprise is just yet another example of where Western assumptions and priorities have really overtaken the understanding that water is a precious and finite resource,” Tanaka said, “and that we have to protect it and use it for the benefit of all and not just treat it as a commodity.” 

    When asked about the criticism the wave pool is facing, Caster said those in charge of the site are aware of the “questions and confusion” about the water usage. He said that the daily demand for water will be limited to what needs to be refilled with evaporation. 

    “Many of our neighbors are very excited about the opening and look forward to experiencing the outdoor recreation, new restaurants, waterfront promenade and more,” he said, adding that they will seek ways to conserve water and implement “best management practices wherever we can.” 

    Li Cohen


    li.jpg

    Li Cohen is a social media producer and trending content writer for CBS News.

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  • 7 Water-Saving Strategies for Your Business | Entrepreneur

    7 Water-Saving Strategies for Your Business | Entrepreneur

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Water is critical to sustaining our society, but we are pushing some resources to their limits.

    In the US, the Colorado River, the primary water source for seven states, including California, is dipping dangerously low due to poor river management and a drought lasting more than two decades.

    Lake Powell, a holding tank for outflow from the Colorado River, is perilously close to a “dead pool,” where water levels get so low that water cannot flow downstream. If Lake Powel goes dry, the consequences will be immediate and sweeping, given that Colorado supports $1.4 trillion in economic output and 16 million jobs.

    A dry Colorado River would affect drinking water, sanitation, agriculture, manufacturing, and even electricity, since Lake Powel provides power to more than 4.5 million people.

    Related: 5 Ways Technology Can Help Save Water; Here’s How!

    Water scarcity does not just impact the US. From South Africa to Chile, countries worldwide have grappled with water shortages. Today 450 million children live in areas of high or extremely high water vulnerability.

    But here’s some encouraging news. Water scarcity doesn’t have to be inevitable. As governments work to renegotiate better water management, businesses can take steps to avoid a true water crisis and prepare themselves for upcoming water constraints.

    1. Use behavioral change to conserve water

    From washing hands to watering crops, all businesses use water. Non-manufacturing businesses may not see major daily water use, so encouraging employees to think more consciously about their water usage may be one of the most effective ways to conserve water.

    The Queensland Business Bureau provides suggestions to help businesses such as:

    • Create an employee led water savings initiative.
    • Establish a company wide water use target.
    • Appoint a ‘water champion’ to check and monitor progress.
    • Provide information on ‘using water wisely.’ This can include education on how much water goes into products like paper (2 liters per sheet!).

    Businesses can also learn lessons from the behavioral change campaigns Cape Town ran during its water crisis. In an effort to get all residents to use no more than 100 liters per person per day, Cape Town helped residents quantify water usage with online calculators and campaigns that illustrated different ways to measure one liter of water. Setting an actionable goal and teaching people how to measure that goal are key to success.

    Related: 6 Meaningful Ways to Reduce Your Company’s Carbon Footprint

    2. Invest in technology to increase water efficiency

    Your first step to investing in water efficient technology may be surprisingly simple: routinely check for leaks and learn how to fix them. Real-time leakage detection systems can help to monitor pipes and faucets you do not regularly see, like the ones under your sink or behind your toilets. There are also apps to monitor your water usage through your utility. No matter the method, finding and preventing leaks can save gallons of water every day.

    Installing a water fountain for employees that tracks how many water bottles are saved can reduce plastic usage. While we know single use plastic bottles create excess trash, plastic water bottles also contribute to water waste using 1.39 liters of water for every liter bottle produced.

    3. Understand the impact across your supply chain

    Given the importance of water as a resource, understanding how much different products contribute to your water footprint helps prevent a water crisis and saves money. The Water Footprint Calculator helps businesses and entrepreneurs better understand the water footprint of different products.

    Water footprints have three parts. Green water footprints indicate the consumption of rainwater, blue water footprints indicate the consumption of surface and groundwater, and gray water footprints indicate the pollution of surface and groundwater. Understanding how much water different products use can help you choose products that rely on less water and are likely, cheaper.

    Related: Role Of Startups In Creating Sustainable Water Solutions

    4. Build a low-water use business

    Some industries have exceptionally high water usage, including agriculture, apparel, beverages, biotechnology, and electric power. These industries also happen to be vital to modern existence. Disruptive businesses that find new alternatives to water intensive business models stand to thrive.

    As water levels continue to fall, farmers will be particularly hard hit, given that agriculture accounts for 70% of the world’s water usage. AI and other new technology can allow for “precision agriculture” that carefully monitors how much water plants need at any given moment. These technologies will be critical for the future of farming. Innovators should also look to sustainable fashion initiatives for potential business opportunities.

    5. Support technologies that create more sustainable water systems

    Where there is a problem, there is an opportunity to invent a solution. Technologies like Hawa Water tackle water scarcity in the UAE by harvesting drinking water straight from the air. Even governments are getting creative. Now that aquifers have been pumped dry, cities are turning to groundwater recharge projects and other man-made interventions to replenish them.

    As the crisis grows, governments are providing money for startups with creative solutions. India, for example, has 18% of the world’s population but only 4% of its water supply. The country’s Clean Water For All challenge asks Indian entrepreneurs to pitch, pilot and scale solutions that help manage the subcontinent’s water issues.

    Related: Alleviating the Impending Water Scarcity Through Sustainable Water Resource Management

    6. Invest money in good water governance

    Investing in companies that promote good water governance and don’t rely on outrageous amounts of water may be a better long-term bet. Not only will it contribute to safeguarding the world’s precious water supplies, but it will also ensure that soaring water prices don’t eventually destroy your investments overall. Groups like Fidelity have put together guides to investing in companies that take the future of water seriously.

    7. The future of water is the future of business

    Water impacts business in more ways than people might ever imagine. In addition to everything mentioned above, low water levels along the Mississippi recently resulted in a 3,000 barge backup that impacted how quickly people could get their goods.

    As businesses think about adapting to an ever changing world, they must pay attention to the world of water as it does far more than keep us alive. Water generates electricity, prevents disease, grows food, produces goods, cools computers and keeps modern society moving forward.

    Related: This Ex-Google Employee is Restoring India’s Freshwater Bodies Scientifically

    John Boitnott

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