Water conservation urged despite rainfall
By BENJAMIN C. SHARP bensharp@journal-spectator.com

Despite a nearly 16-inch surplus of rainfall this year, the Wharton area still needs to practice water conservation, groundwater district officials say.

It's critical to learn how to conserve water now - before the time comes when it's a necessity.

"Even though we're not in a drought situation, we still need to practice those small things that equal up to a lot of water savings," said Neil Hudgins, manager of Wharton County's Coastal Bend Groundwater Conservation District. "Everyday practices will get you in the habit of doing these things."

And that's a message that the district wants to share with everyone - from the residential user to the agricultural irrigator. It's ag users, in fact, that use the bulk of the area's groundwater. Here in Wharton County, about 98 percent is used for irrigation. Another one percent is used by municipalities like the City of Wharton. The remainder is used for domestic and livestock purposes.

The district has issued permits and water meters to monitor the "drawdown" on the area's aquifer. Of around 500 agricultural wells in the county, about 120 have meters.

"Ag is the most significant user in the county," Hudgins said.

Water conservation tips for agricultural users include:

Use land leveling.

Implement brush control and management.

Line irrigation channels.

Replace irrigation channels with underground pipelines. agement.

Line irrigation channels.

Install low pressure center pivot sprinklers.

Residential users can do their part to conserve as well:

Shorten showers by at least two minutes.

Wash only full loads of clothes.

Use shorter dishwasher cycles.

Turn off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving.

Sweep off driveways and sidewalks instead of power washing.