Water conservation month begins with proclamation

  • Published
  • By Ashley M. Wright
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  With the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Logistics on hand, Col. Bruce McClintock, 96th Air Base Wing commander, signed a proclamation declaring April "Water Conservation Month" here, March 26.

"Environmental stewardship allows us to improve the quality of the environment and save financially," the colonel said. "Our goal with programs like water conservation month is to introduce and reinforce a culture change while saving taxpayers' dollars and preserving our surroundings."

Water conservation is just one of the energy saving campaigns of the newly established Eglin Energy Management Center. The proclamation coincides with the Air Force's efforts to conserve energy in all forms.

"This aspect of energy conservation is one of the most important parts of what we do, and that's to recognize at the base level the conservation issue, and have the base populace embrace these kinds of programs and put them to use," said Terry Yonkers, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Logistics.

In his position, Mr. Yonkers is responsible for providing oversight for all matters pertaining to the formulation, review and execution of plans, policies, programs, and budgets for installations, energy, environment, safety and occupational health as well as weapon systems logistics support.

The center designed other campaigns such as energy challenges and "how low can you go?" to foster a completive spirit among the base population.

A driving force in the proclamation is Executive Order 13423, which addresses the availability of fresh water. The order calls for a reduction of potable water use for all federal agencies of two percent annually and 16 percent by 2015.

Eglin used approximately 476 million gallons of potable water in fiscal year 2009 according to Jason Legg, Eglin Energy Management Center general engineer.

"We are happy to report that figure represents a significant reduction in consumption from fiscal year 2008 and exceeds the two percent mandate from the order," he said.

The base is engaging several proactive measures for water conservation including designers and engineers studying ways to upgrade facilities with energy efficient equipment, using reclaimed water systems for irrigation, low flow plumbing fixtures and chiller plants.

"Implementing these changes can lead to a reduction in energy costs for treating, heating, cooling and pumping watering and will translate into fewer emissions from power plants; an outcome that enhances the Air Force commitment to being environmentally friendly as well as being economically prudent," Mr. Legg said.

Individuals can also have an effect on the amount of water saved.

"We consume water on a much greater scale than one might think," Mr. Legg said. "Some studies show it takes approximately 37 gallons of water to produce one cup of coffee; 140 gallons of water to produce a gallon of milk; 200 gallons to produce two pounds of dog food and 1,900 gallons to produce one pound of beef."

Some tips for conserving water are: taking shorter showers, chilling water in the fridge, turning off the facet while brushing your teeth, handing wash dishes or limit pre-washing and installing low flow fixtures.