Conserve water this summer

  • Published
  • By Timothy Hunter
  • 782nd Training Group
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Have you ever heard of the saying "If you don't like the weather in Texas, wait awhile, it'll change?"

North Texans know seasonal droughts and erratic weather are just part of living in the region. That's why it's important for us to use "common sense" water conservation efforts at home and at the workplace to reduce the amount of stress we place on our natural resources.

Conserving water is simple and inexpensive. It is vital that Team Sheppard joins Wichita Falls in doing our part to help conserve this valuable resource.

Sheppard has a watering policy in the Drought Contingency Plan that includes recommendations on irrigation. Lawn and landscape watering is prohibited on base between the hours of 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Privatized Housing occupants are asked to water plants and shrubs between the hours of 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. If a watering can or hand-held hose is used, a responsible person needs to be present to monitor the use of water.

Sheppard is the largest consumer of water for the City of Wichita Falls and should lead the area in maintaining "common sense" water conservation efforts.

To help conserve water, the following guidelines are offered:
  • Do not water the lawn between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Watering should be done only before and after this time.
     
  • No watering to the point run-off occurs. Resume watering when the water has had enough time to penetrate the soil, which takes about 30 minutes. Water the yard every five to six days. To encourage deep root growth, it is better to water trees deeply once a week than to water them multiple times during the week for short periods of time.
     
  • Use a positive shut-off nozzle with all outdoor watering done with a hose.
     
  • Spot water. Drier areas require more water than areas where the water settles. If necessary, water dry areas by hand.
     
  • Don't water the pavement. Position sprinklers so that water lands on the lawn, not in areas where it is not needed.
     
  • Accept less than a lush lawn. Grass will naturally go dormant during periods of drought.
     
  • The best time to water is in the early morning or late evening hours. There is less wind and the temperature is cooler, both of which directly affect the evaporation rate. Use a water timer to turn the water off when going to work in the morning or going to bed at night.
     
  • Report water leaks, such as dripping faucets, as soon as they are found.
     
  • Turn off the water while shaving, brushing teeth and face or hand washing.
     
  • Run the dishwasher when it's full of dishes or use the water saver cycle.
     
  • Don't let the faucet run until the water cools down. Instead, keep a container of drinking water in the refrigerator.
     
  • Select the proper water level for each load of laundry.
Water management is not just the city government's responsibility. Everyone plays an important role, including those living and working on Sheppard. Together, let's keep using water wisely and protect this valuable resource for generations to come.