Sheppard is doing its part to conserve water

  • Published
  • By Paul Woods
  • 82nd Civil Engineering Squadron, Resource Efficiency Manager
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Water conservation is a top priority for Sheppard Air Force Base.

In 2012, the base responded to a request by the City of Wichita Falls to reduce water consumption by 15 percent. That summer and fall, the base doubled that goal and achieved a 30 percent reduction by August of 2012.

According to records, Sheppard reduced water consumption by 41.6 percent from 2011 to 2012 and that in 2013 the base was on track to reduce water consumption by an additional eight percent.  This means a combined total water savings approaching 50 percent during these drought conditions.

There are several things that have contributed to this substantial reduction:

· The base strictly follows the Wichita Falls Watering Plan during these drought conditions.

· Sheppard maintains a high degree of visibility through energy and water articles, awareness campaigns, and through the command structure.

· The base also advises Team Sheppard via newspaper and social media.

· The Sheppard AFB vehicle wash racks recycle water used.

· The base has realized a two percent improvement in water system efficiency in the last year.

· Sheppard has allowed most of the grassy areas to go dormant by suspending irrigation watering in 2012. Col. Scott Chowning, 82nd Mission Support Group commander, made the decision last year to water only high-visibility areas. This policy remains in effect today and this effort has made the most significant impact on our water usage.

· In 2013, Sheppard has implemented a major water conservation project affecting shower heads, faucet aerators and dual flush valves on bathroom equipment. Along with these interior savings, we have reduced areas watered by an additional four acres in the high visibility areas. This project represents an additional eight percent reduction in water usage.

Our data shows that in 2013, Sheppard is on track to conserve an additional eight percent from the water savings project making a combined total water savings since 2011 almost 50 percent during these drought conditions.