   Protecting Our Water Resources - October 24, 2001 Jeff Schalau, County Director, Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources Arizona Cooperative Extension, Yavapai County I was recently working on a project and accessed 2000 census information. Although I had seen the local census figures when they first hit the streets, this time I was thinking about natural resources and in particular, water. In my opinion, water is our most critical natural resource issue. So, if this column pushes the limits of "gardening", I apologize. I feel it is important and worthy of discussion. Population statistics speak for themselves. The April 1, 2000 census reported that Yavapai County is the second fastest growing county in Arizona (following Mohave County). Between 1990 and 2000, Yavapai County's population expanded from 107,714 to 167,517. This was a 55.5% population increase in 10 years. When looking at 10-year growth of individual cities and towns across Arizona, Prescott Valley ranked 7th (164.3%), Chino Valley ranked 20th (62.0%), Clarkdale ranked 22nd (59.6%), Cottonwood ranked 25th (55.1%), Camp Verde ranked 29th (51.4%), Sedona ranked 40th (32.0%), Prescott ranked 42nd (27.6%), and Jerome was 86th (-18.4%). Citizens of Yavapai County are keenly aware of the current water conflicts between the east and west sides of the county. In short, the west side of the County is upstream of the east side. The ground water pumping that is occurring on the west side could be, depending on which study you are reading, decreasing the base flow of the Verde River. Ground water and hydrologic forces that govern its movement are extremely complicated and we are uncertain about the intricate details involved. We are, however, certain about population statistics. Given population certainties and ground water uncertainties, we should be paying very close attention to our water supply. Gardeners can conserve water in their landscapes and gardens. By organizing your yard into zones, you can have an attractive landscape and conserve. Create an oasis with turf and/or moisture loving plants where you plan on spending most of your time. In less used areas, plant natives, wildflowers, cactus, or other xeric plants that will thrive with little or no irrigation. Plant trees that use moderate quantities of water and where shade will moderate climate and conserve energy. While water supply is a primary concern, water quality is equally important. Gardeners can do their part to protect water quality. Lawn and garden chemicals, such as fertilizers and pesticides enter surface and ground water in two ways. First, they can be carried by rainwater into a stream as runoff. In our area, this could occur when surface runoff carries materials into ditches, arroyos, creeks, or the river via storm drains or culverts. Once there, chemical compounds can be transported downstream, come into contact with non-target organisms, or cause harmful effects downstream. The contaminants can eventually reach groundwater supplies if the stream loses water to the ground. The most common method of groundwater contamination is leaching. Leaching is the downward movement of a dissolved substance through the soil. Residual fertilizers in the soil that plants cannot use, leach through the soil along with rain or irrigation water. Pesticides too, can leach into groundwater, or they may vaporize into the atmosphere, or be broken down by microbial and chemical means into harmless substances. By following directions and using pesticides and fertilizers as directed, harmful effects can be minimized. I really don't mean to be preachy, but I think we need to give our water resources the consideration and respect they deserve. Water supply and quality will become increasingly important in the years to come. If we start adjusting our practices and changing our landscape aesthetics now, we may learn to use water resources more wisely in the future. Each of us can do our part to conserve and protect our water resources. Become informed and involved in local efforts to increase our capacity to have sustainable water resources. The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension has been delivering water resource education for over five years. Our programs are targeted at both adults and youth and we cover such diverse topics as: well water quality, stream ecology, home and landscape water conservation, ground water movement, watershed values, and more. On October 16, 2001, Yavapai County Cooperative Extension began the first Master Watershed Steward program ever offered in the Southwest. After completion of the 10-session course, Master Watershed Stewards will volunteer in their community to educate other citizens about water resource issues. The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension also has publications and information on gardening and plant selection. If you have other gardening questions, call the Master Gardener line in the Cottonwood office at 646-9113 or E-mail us at mgardener@kachina.net and be sure to include your address and phone number. Find past Backyard Gardener columns or submit column ideas at the Backyard Gardener web site: http://ag.arizona.edu/yavapai/anr/hort/byg/. |