Hip Czech
by CYNDY SLOVAK-BARTON

Weather prognosticators are now telling us that we will have a “mini-drought” this summer. While it won’t be anything like the drought of 2009, rest assured that we will be called upon to cut back on water consumption.

That news falls in line with what the state is requiring of the water governing districts. Locally, the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District is trying to gaze into its crystal ball and figure out a way to define the DFC – Desired Future Conditions – so that it can put those together for the GMA 10 (Groundwater Management Areas) to review, while using the GAM (Groundwater Availability Model) to figure out the MAG (Managed Available Groundwater) and finally set the HCP (Habitat Conservation Plan).

Huh?

That’s part of the problem when dealing with scientists and bureaucrats. They talk in acronyms, oblivious that the general public, the ones they are trying to get to cut back on consumption, can’t understand a blooming thing they say. They talk about DO (dissolved oxygen) and how it is affected when the CFS (cubic feet per second) springflow from Barton Springs in Austin falls too low and how that will affect the blind salamander, which is on the Endangered Species List.

But when you think about it, the entire conversation about the blind salamander and how the springflow affects these creatures is a reflection on the vitality of all of our lives. The health of the aquifer affects the health of all of us, and the blind salamander is like the canary in the mines – a warning that we need to pay attention.

The people working so long and hard to make sure that we have water in the future – those scientists and bureaucrats, if you will – might talk about the blind salamander a lot, and they might use a lot of acronyms, but they are working to make sure that we have the water that is so necessary for our future.

As part of this long process, scientists have become concerned that the wells in various areas, namely western Hays County, will “de-water.” To local folks, that means, “go dry.”

The best thing to do is to start now and get used to best practices before the drought even begins.

What were some of the practices that we can easily take on from last summer?

The basic are just not allowing faucets to flow – while brushing teeth, while washing dishes, while washing the porch.

Check toilets and make sure they are not leaking.

Put something in the toilet to displace water. (How about a small jar filled with water?)

Make sure dishwashers and clothes washing machines are full before you turn them on. And, when replacing these items, look for energy efficient, low water usage models.

Last summer, some folks were keeping their plants alive by capturing water from their showers and hauling that water outside. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to do this year round? Look at the water regs, ask about the laws, and figure out a way to “reuse” that water.

If you are so inclined and have the money, put in a rain catchment system. Not only does this keep the rain from running off into the street, this water is softer than our regular well water, thus giving your appliances many more years of life.

If you really want to learn more about what all is being done to help your water future, go to the BSEACD website (www.bseacd.org). That’s Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District to you. Attend a BSEACD board meeting, get to know your board member and put out the word now – “Cut down on your water consumption.”

Your grandchildren will be glad you did.