Farnsworth Group

Water Conservation and the 2012 Drought
By the Bloomington Water/Wastewater Group

NOAA Seasonal Drought Outlook

As the weather begins to cool and fall continues into its second week, the abnormally hot and dry summer still lingers in the minds of many. Although some areas of the country have received some relief, more than 64% of the country is still experiencing moderate drought conditions or worse, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. These conditions are expected to persist, especially in the Midwest and Western United States.



This summer’s drought encouraged many municipalities to take a close look at their current water resources and infrastructure. For some, this examination was prompted by a large increase of water main breaks. Others saw their water reservoirs and resources quickly diminishing due to the lack of rain and record hot temperatures. However, there are many preventative measures that municipalities, water systems and even wastewater systems can take to conserve water and mitigate the effects of future droughts.

 

Aging infrastructure exacerbates common issues a water system could face during a drought. A good master plan with capital improvements that replace parts of the aging system is effective in promoting water conservation and improving conditions during a drought. A potential increase in capacity can also be investigated in certain components of the water system, including the pumps, treatment and storage. A capacity increase can alleviate some of the stress placed upon water resources during times of little or no rain.

Other ways water systems and municipalities can promote water conservation and minimize the difficulties faced during a drought include voluntary/mandatory water restrictions or even a revised rate structure. For example, the customer could pay a higher unit price in stepped increments based on water usage.


Innovative irrigation system utilizing wastewater plant effluent.

Wastewater systems can also take steps to promote water conservation. These systems can reuse treated wastewater to water golf courses, city parks or even irrigate agricultural land. Farnsworth Group recently designed a zero-discharge gravity sewer collection system including five lift stations, a wastewater treatment plant with fine bubble air diffusion in three aerated lagoons, as well as an innovative central-pivot spray irrigation system that distributes plant effluent onto 320 acres of biomass and standard agricultural crops. Due to this zero-discharge system, a NPDES permit was not necessary. The design is not only environmentally efficient, but will be economically sustainable for years to come.

In summary, many municipalities were faced with complications due to the hot temperatures and diminishing water supplies this past summer. Since experts are forecasting that conditions are going to remain fairly consistent, it is the perfect time for municipalities and individuals alike to consider doing more to conserve water.