WSP05686

• File Number: 8064
• Description: Section "D" General Federal Issues/Policies - Indian Water Rights
• Date: 10/14/1983
• Title: Water Conservation and Western Water Resource Management ‎(Draft)‎
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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new construction, sometimes required by building codes, can be

even more effective. The capital costs of such measures can be

a problem, but coupled with an appropriate public education and

information program, domestic'water use can be reduced significantly.

Though not widely used, one potential conservation measure

involves the use of dual water systems, which separate culinary

water and water for outside use. Cistern and greywater systems,

which collect rainwaters and household wastewater for application

outside, are another alternative for landscaping water. However,

the capital costs of installing such systems generally make imple-

mentation impractical. Simply reducing watering can be very effective.

Landscaping accounts for a substanital portion of municipal

or domestic water use in arid states, particularly during summer

months. Various conservation measures have been employed to reduce

outside water use. Studies have found that often much more water

is applied to lawns than is necessary for optimal maintenance. _/

Mor~ efficient watering using sprinkler scheduling is effective.

Desert landscaping is another alternative, using relatively unthirsty

native vegetation. There are important capital costs associated

with improving water use in landscaping, but another major drawback

relates to public acceptance. Westerners enjoy a green yard, in

an otherwise arid environment, and they are reluctant to reduce

water usage if it will detract from the appearance of their homes.

Industrial water use, including water for energy development,

is another important aspect of western water conservation. Recircu-

lation and reuse of cooling and process waters are effective. However,

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