AN URBAN PERSPECTIVE PART 2 : URBAN WATER ISSUES DON ’T STOP AT CIT Y LIMITS While concerns about water are the same everywhere in Oklahoma, population density and rapid development in towns and cities require entirely different approaches. Where ag operations need access to large quantities of water at low cost, thirsty city dwellers also require huge volumes of water that sometimes must be piped for long distances and treated using expensive infrastructure. Competing for drinking water are businesses and homeowners who love green lawns and lush golf courses. “The population is increasing in urban areas,” said Dr. Justin Moss, associate professor and Huffine Endowed Professor of Turfgrass Science. “There’s enough water to keep up with demand but the infrastructure cost to treat and deliver that water is high.” His research focuses on urban water quality, use and conservation, and turfgrass science and sustainable turfgrass management. In 2012, the Oklahoma Legislature passed the Water for 2060 Act that established a goal of consuming less fresh water in 2060 than in 2010. Meeting that challenge will take numerous approaches including the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service partnering with urban groups to share information with residential, commercial and industrial users. Oklahoma City and Edmond both partner with Moss’ Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture and the Extension Service to promote water conservation through ThinkWater, an Extension program. Encouraging water conservation not only ensures water for drinking,
businesses and recreation, but conservation also extends the life of water infrastructure and saves cities, and their rate payers, money. “Cities want to hold on to that existing infrastructure as long as they can,” said Moss. “It’s massively expensive to replace it and almost always requires rate increases.” The ThinkWater program uses research to educate residents and businesses about the benefits of sustainable water use. During hot summer months, as much as 50 percent of urban water is used on lawns and landscaping. Conserving water saves money, limits pollution from runoff and makes infrastructure last longer. When consumers learn how much water they’re using and how much is actually needed, that knowledge can help cut water use in half, Moss said. “We want people to pay attention to water running down the street and into the sewer because of over-watering,” Moss said. “Instead of watering cars and streets and watering when it’s raining, responsible use can have a big impact.”
Dr. Justin Moss
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