Institute of Renewable Natural Resources, Urban Water Opportunities in Water Conservation. September 18, Calvin Finch Ph.D.

Transcription

1 Institute of Renewable Natural Resources, Urban Water Opportunities in Water Conservation September 18, 2014 Calvin Finch Ph.D. 1

2 Recent Funded Programs Coordinate the Regional Water Conservation Program (RWCP) for Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Program (HCP) funded by Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA), water fees Aquifer Storage and Recovery Funded with legislative funds from TEES(Engineers) Drought Survivability Study funded by Austin, Georgetown, San Antonio River Authority (SARA), San Antonio Water System, North Texas Municipal Water District Analyses for SAWS and Coastal Conservation Association Identified as entity that will study the San Antonio and Fair Oaks water situation in terms of long term growth and development plans Environmentally Appropriate Articles 2

3 Texas A&M IRNR Urban Water Opportunities New and Old Drought Survivability Graywater Lost Water Outside Emphasis, SAWS Coupons 3

4 Drought Survivability Horticultural Industry overestimates the minimum water needs of landscape plants Many Plants survive well on 30% of potential evaporation rather than 60% or more currently recommended 4

5 If it is True, Water purveyors can reduce estimates of water needed for landscapes if they convince (educate) or regulate their constituents Retail nurseries can market based on more accurate water need data Landscape plans can be developed with specific reduced water needs reflected Drought management rules can be imposed in emergencies with more confidence and lower landscape water allowances 5

6 Graywater Definitions Graywater used water from the clothes washer, shower, and bathroom sink 40 gallons/day person Blackwater used water from toilet, kitchen sink and washing machine if you wash diapers Reuse water treated wastewater that is recycled for use on landscapes, in manufacturing, and even for potable water 6

7 Graywater Use Simplest hose end moved around lawn Mitchell Lake Demonstration Drip irrigation on raised beds Depression areas use mulch to fill depression where water is deposited. 7

8 How Safe is Graywater? Used with certain precautions seems very safe. No spraying in the air No runoff off your property No puddling Use to drip or flood irrigate landscape plants and even vegetables if no graywater on fruit. 8

9 Issues Preventing Graywater Use Perceived fear of contamination of soils It is not an expensive or glamorous source of water It is in the hands of individual households It is not a large supply 700 gallons / household / week Perception that use may reduce revenues, or water available for sewer flow or for recycling 9

10 Simplified Consideration of Law State Law HB 2661, 2003 TCEQ Regulations gallons/day or less and used without storage for landscape by surface application no permit is required International Plumbing Code Consistent with the HB above Local ordinances can be more restrictive. It is common for local ordinances or state law to be misinterpreted to offer restrictions where none exist! 10

11 Graywater Handouts Graywater Irrigation Primer, Mike Martin PE (Simple to more complex) Graywater Recycling, Forrest Cobb and others, $285 if plumber does work Washing Machine Retrofit Diagram Wctc.tamu.edu 11

12 Lost Water Also called non-revenue water Difference between water treated or pumped and what is actually sold. Classic loss is from leaks in pipes. Just as likely meters inaccurate, unmetered water Other causes bad bookkeeping, stolen water, fires 12

13 Lost Water Common 25% lost Good 10% Lost Remedies Full metering and regular replacement Leak Detection and repair Accurate record keeping 13

14 Where s the Water to Conserve? New emphasis at San Antonio Water System Slides borrowed from Dana Nichols Manager, SAWS Conservation Department 14

15 Where are we going next? This Hint Not This 15

16 Homes with irrigation systems use 51% more water Where s the Conservation? Residential peak demand will rise without changes 16

17 Program Focus: Landscape Literacy 17

18 Conservation Consultations Our best resource is our people Free to any SAWS water customer Gives customers the confidence to make landscape changes 18

19 Benefits of Program Our mantra Get our hands on the controller Estimated average saving 4000 gals a month per consult Recent review shows savings to hold over several years in residential (not so much in commercial) Customers now on the Conservation Team 19

20 Irrigation Systems For improvements or removals Pay $450 for the removal of irrigation in homes Currently under review for larger rebates 20

21 Focus on Starter Gardeners Increase Landscape Literacy Provides bed plans and limited plant choices 200 sf of turf removed 15 plants to add irrigation capped in bed 21

22 Outdoor Living adds value Now you can enjoy your diverse landscape 22

23 Contact Information Ext 207 Website: wctc.tamu.edu Includes archives of environmentally appropriate gardening and water conservation articles Website: plantanswers.com 23