Water conservation depends on people

  • Published
  • By Stephen Delgado
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Imagine seeing 320 million gallon containers of water. It would cover a huge area, but that is how much water Luke Air Force Base consumes a year, according to Tech. Sgt. Ricardo Vera, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron energy program specialist.

Sergeant Vera said he would like to see the base cut back on water usage by following some simple steps, and achieving this goal isn't that difficult if everyone participates.
"Water conservation is something few of us think about during our busy, sometimes hectic, work schedule," he said. "There are some simple steps that, if followed, would help in cutting back water usage."

The bathroom and the kitchen are where the biggest cutbacks can be made.

"When showering, there are ways to save a lot of water," Sergeant Vera said. "While showering, don't start the water just to warm up, and practice 'battle showers' by turning the water off to soap up. If the shower is running continuously nearly 30 gallons of water are consumed compared to four gallons when simply wetting down and rinsing off."

What's more, brushing teeth and shaving are big culprits of wasted water.

"Don't brush your teeth with the water running continuously," Sergeant Vera said. "Up to 10 gallons of water can be used if the tap is running continuously, compared to one-and-a-half gallons or less when simply wetting the brush and rinsing. When shaving, fill the sink to rinse your razor. When the tap runs continuously, up to 20 gallons of water is consumed compared to a gallon when filling the sink."

The kitchen is another area where a lot of water can be wasted.

"If the tap is running continuously while washing dishes, 30 gallons of water can be used compared to five gallons when simply washing and rinsing," Sergeant Vera said.
There are other areas that can be culprits of water waste.

"It is good to regularly check your facilities for leaks, drips and other water waste," he said. "If there are any of these problems, contact your facility manager, and they will call CES customer service at (623) 856-7083."

It is important to note that the golf course and parks on base use reclaimed water, according to Sergeant Vera.

Furthermore, conserving water is a long-term goal.

"The overall goal of the Luke energy management program is to comply with federally mandated energy reduction goals, while maintaining working environments conducive to high productivity," said 1st Lt. Amanda Thompson, 56th CES Energy Projects manager. "The federally mandated goals Luke is tracking and reporting on are to reduce potable and drinking water usage 2 percent per year from fiscal 2008 to fiscal 2020, which would be 26-percent total relative to a fiscal 2007 baseline."

Incorporating water conservation into daily practice should be everyone's business, Sergeant Vera said.