Water Conservation

Water Conservation begins at HOME

Our local leaders are facing the pressing question of how to ensure a clean, reliable water supply with strains from population growth, booming development, and global warming. Many communities are already enforcing water restrictions. There are a few simple things you can do at home to ease the burden on your local water supply and save money in the process.

1. Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth.

2. Only run the washing machine and dishwasher when you have a full load.

3. Use a low flow shower head and faucet aerators.

4. Fix leaks.

5. Install a dual flush or low flow toilet or put a conversion kit on your existing toilet.

6. Do not overwater your lawn or water during peak periods (4pm-8pm) and install rain sensors on irrigation systems.

7. Install a rain barrel for outdoor watering.

8. Plant a rain garden for catching storm water runoff from your roof, driveway, and other hard surfaces.

9. Monitor your water usage on your water bill and ask your local government about a home water audit.

10. Share your knowledge about saving water through conservation and efficiency with your neighbors.

These water saving measures can have a big impact on water demand in local communities. While saving money, you also have the opportunity to get involved in your local community, protect the water in your local waterways so you can continue to enjoy their recreational benefits, and get to know your home and family with a few do-it-yourself projects.

Did you know?

30 to 60% of domestic drinking water is used to water yards and gardens, and often large portions are wasted by over-watering, evaporation, and misdirected sprinklers that water sidewalks and driveways.

The average U.S. per capita water use is 170 gallons per day (gpd)

Misty Mountain water district uses 1,800,000 gal of water per year, on average. If Misty Mountain embraced water efficiency solutions, they could save up to one third of the annual water use. That alone helps the Coconino aquifer replenish. Arizona has been in a drought for 20 years. The water source that feeds Northern Arizona is decreasing every year that we don’t have rain or snow. Our lakes and waterways are receding. We all know that summer-time brings back our summer homeowners. Many come to the White Mountains to get away from the blistering heat of the valley, and enjoy our beautiful lakes and streams. Summer is also time to enjoy bountiful gardens and flowers beds. This is why we live here. However, since we DO live here, we must be mindful of water conservation efforts in order to maintain our current water supply.

The Coconino Aquifer runs from I-40 to just south of Misty Mountain. There are MANY small water companies, as well as city water companies that all pull off this water source. Think of it as a large underground lake. Misty Mountain is at the southern edge of the lake, which is much shallower than the center. As the water in the aquifer recedes, we must dig deeper and deeper to find water. Currently our well sits at 1150 ft. At one time, in our history, the Misty Mtn DWID was forced to dig a deeper well when the ?? aquifer dried up.

We currently have a well share agreement with Porter Mountain DWID and will have water available to us if we must temporarily shut down. Fortunately, our CWO, Kleensweep Inc. manages both well systems and will help to make that a smooth transition. However, Porter Mountain, and all the wells on the mountain share the same aquifer.

What happens if the aquifer dries up?  Just look around at neighboring cities. Flagstaff has been carrying in water from outside sources for years.

Some large cities, such as Tucson, use programs such as BEAT the PEAK (Never water 4pm – 8pm)

Others actually ration water. Certain zip codes use water on alternating days of the week.

It is NOT too early to start thinking about conservation. It may be too late.

What can we do NOW?

Look at the suggestions above and implement them in our own home. Last summer our tanks nearly ran out of water due to many more people coming up to the mountain. Every property owner has the right to clean safe drinking water. We also have a responsibility to conserve and protect this valuable resource.

We welcome any suggestions you may have and will post them on our conservation page on our website www.mistymtndwid.com