April- Water Awarness Month: Luke takes ‘conservative’ approach to water Published April 23, 2009 LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- April is Water Awareness Month, which is the time of year when outdoor water use increases due to gardening, landscaping and pools and when the Arizona Department of Water Resources asks the public to do its part in promoting conservation. Water conservation is important to Luke Air Force Base members not only because of the desert environment, but resources are scarce and need to be managed for long-term sustainability, said Jeff Rothrock, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron Environmental Flight chief. "Additionally, an executive order mandates federal facilities to reduce water consumption by 2 percent per year (2007 baseline) for a 16 percent reduction by 2015," he said. "Reducing water usage also reduces the energy required to pump and distribute it, addressing an additional Luke conservation goal." To accomplish this, Mr. Rothrock suggests shops and housing residents evaluate their processes for water conservation opportunities. For example, those living in family housing can help by watering only in the early mornings and evenings to reduce evaporation. While Luke consumes more than 424 million gallons of water each year many steps and programs have been implemented to reduce the base's usage. "Some of the programs we have to reduce our usage includes participating in the University of Arizona 'Water Use it Wisely' educational program, extensive usage of xeriscaping, which is the use of low- or no-water-use plants for landscaping and using reclaimed water from the wastewater treatment plant for most irrigation needs, including the golf course," Mr. Rothrock said. ADWR asks the public to do its part in educating, celebrating and taking action to promote conservation. "All citizens of Arizona should use water as efficiently as possible and practice a low-water-use lifestyle as a way to help ensure a long-term sufficient water supply," said Herb Guenther, ADWR director. "There are many ways to strengthen Arizona's 'culture of conservation' and through our combined efforts we will succeed." For more information, visit http://www.luke.af.mil/art/index.asp?galleryID=2339 or www.azwater.gov. Courtesy of 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs. Arizona Department of Water Resource offers the following suggestions: · Plant low-water use, drought-tolerant landscapes and group plants based on water needs. See the list at www.azwater.gov/dwr/Conservation/Residential · Water correctly - even xeriscapes can waste water · Install high efficiency toilets and consider waterless urinals · Install water-efficient devices, such as faucet aerators, shut-off nozzles and showerheads · Check for indoor and outdoor leaks often and fix them immediately · Remember the water-energy connection -- saving water saves energy