RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Stage 1 conservation measures loom for Randolph water users as the level of the Edwards Aquifer continues to plummet.
A base official said restrictions are possible in a matter of weeks.
"Randolph likely faces Stage 1 water restrictions in the next few weeks as the Edwards Aquifer continues to lose about a foot of water per day with little to no rain in the extended forecast," said Anthony Martinez, Randolph energy manager.
The level of the Bexar index well at Fort Sam Houston was 662.6 feet as of Wednesday, about 5 feet above the 657.5-foot level that marks the imposition of Stage 1 measures. Mr. Martinez said Randolph actually enters Stage 1 when the level is at 657.5 or lower for five straight days.
"When Stage 1 is declared, restrictions apply to all personnel living, working or otherwise conducting activities and business on base," he said.
Some of the restrictions are already in effect as part of year-round conservation measures, said Hilda Villela-Davis, chief of environmental compliance at the 12th Mission Support Group. One example is that landscape water is allowed only two days a week and is prohibited between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Watering days are Saturday and Tuesday for even-numbered street addresses and Sunday and Wednesday for odd-numbered addresses.
Other Stage 1 restrictions on Randolph are:
· Any action resulting in water waste is prohibited.
Washing driveways, streets and sidewalks is approved for health and safety reasons only, such as rinsing off bird droppings.
· Privately owned vehicles should be washed at locations that recycle water. Home washing is allowed, but people must use a shutoff nozzle to prevent water waste.
· Charity car washes on base are prohibited.
· Athletic fields should not be watered more than twice a week during approved watering hours, but the golf course is excluded because it uses nonpotable water provided by the Cibolo Creek Municipal Authority.
Ms. Villela-Davis said Randolph has made great strides in reducing water consumption in recent years.
"We're not even using one-half of what we used five years ago," she said. "A lot of it has to do with the use of reclaimed water at the golf course, year-round conservation and the installation of low-flow toilets."
Mr. Martinez urged Team Randolph members to continue to make water conservation part of their everyday routine.
"It is always important to know how much water we are using," Mr. Martinez said. "For example, when you brush your teeth, leaving the water on could waste up to four gallons of water. The same rules of thumb can be used when turning on faucets inside or outside your home or anywhere on base.
"We should all be mindful of our water use and adhere to the restrictions when they take effect," he said. "Our conservation efforts can go a long way in not only setting the example for the civilian communities, but also ensure we sustain our mission and continue to be good stewards of the natural resources in our trust."