Goodfellow, San Angelo urge water conservation

  • Published
  • By Randy Wood
  • 17th Civil Engineer Squadron
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Show up for Open Inspection with no shower? No shave for men? No combed hair for women? Clothes unwashed? Could it happen?

Yes, or each person could provide his own water by spending $25 to buy the 100 gallons each person normally uses daily. The water is currently pumped from five area lakes which require rain runoff to refill. If the lakes dried up, replacement water would cost at least $0.25 per gallon at a local San Angelo water outlet or retail store, if it could be found. This is a picture of the seriousness of the situation when the local water supply runs out.

Goodfellow and the City of San Angelo have just experienced the driest October to July period since record keeping began in 1895. Coupled with that, June and July 2011 were the hottest ever recorded in San Angelo. From Jan. 1 through July 31, San Angelo has experienced 66 days of temperatures equal to or greater than 100 degrees. The heat and low humidity are evaporating the lakes faster than they are being refilled.

Goodfellow and the City of San Angelo are at Drought Level I of the Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan as enacted by the City of San Angelo. Phase I began on July 1 and is driven by the available water supply. Drought Level I occurs when "The total amount of water available, as determined by the water utilities director, to the city from its developed water sources is less than a 24-month supply." During Drought Level I initial water conservation restrictions take effect, including reduced plant and lawn irrigation.

Drought Level II is in effect when there is less than an 18-month water supply, with additional restrictions. With no runoff into area lakes, Drought Level II will begin Jan. 1, 2012. By July 1, 2012, with no runoff into area lakes, Drought Level III will begin. At Drought Level III, use of raw or treated city water for watering lawns, gardens, landscape areas, trees, golf courses, shrubs or outdoor plants is prohibited. Filling or maintaining the level of any fountain or pool is prohibited. Vehicle washing, except for public health reasons, will also be prohibited.

We all have to pitch in and help.

Follow the indoor and outdoor Water Saving Tips on the City of San Angelo website, www.sanangelotexas.org, from taking short showers to using a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and walkways. Don't use the dishwasher when the sink will do the job. Only do full loads of laundry. There are more tips available on the website.
Also, be willing to "think out of the box." Like this San Angelo water customer.

Recently, a water customer received a bill for 100,000 gallons of water during a monthly billing cycle. Understandably, the water customer called for assistance, not knowing any reason the monthly water usage should be greater than the normal 8,000 to 10,000 gallons. Initial investigations showed no detectable leaks and the dwelling was a modular home. Continued efforts discovered a bathroom which had been closed off due to lack of use. In the bathroom was a toilet that had become stuck running at a rate of more than 3,000 gallons per day. The toilet provided a direct link from the water source to the sewer and was not seen. It wasn't discovered until it was heard running.

Remember to go beyond simply checking for visible leaks, but also listen for leaks that can't be seen. Use all available resources. Do more than the minimum required to conserve. We are faced with a potential problem that could ultimately require a lot more than just talk. For more information on water conservation ideas, contact Mary Lumsdon at (325) 654-5285.