CITY OF POCATELLO “WATER WEEK” BEGINS MARCH 14, 2011

Since the Pocatello Water Department held its first open house event in 1992, we have strived to continue our public education on water issues. As part of our plans to educate the public, we have scheduled the week of March 14, 2011 as “Water Week.”

In its 20th year, this event will be held at the Water Department repair shop located at 306 West Pine Street. In addition to third grade elementary students, the open house welcomes all other students, Boy Scout troops, families and individuals to attend. The youth of this community are seen as a valuable resource in the education of families and the public. This is a learning experience they can use their entire lives. Interactive displays demonstrate how the water aquifer works, how pollutants can damage the water supply and how the water supply system operates throughout city neighborhoods. Water conservation is another highlight of the open house. Visual displays persuade the youth to actively participate in learning how to use water wisely. Participants also recite a pledge promising to conserve water and teach other family members the importance of conservation, promoting action and awareness.

One way to conserve and use water wisely that can have a significant impact is to reduce water used for irrigation during hot summer days. Water usage during the months of May through October will increase by 400% to 600%. This increase is generally due to people watering flowerbeds, gardens and lawns. All citizens are encouraged to become educated in water-wise landscaping. A commonly used method of conserving irrigation water is called Xeriscaping. Xeriscaping is a landscaping method that uses a mix of local drought tolerant plants and mulch to greatly reduce the amount of water needed. The Water Department has constructed a Xeriscape example at our repair shop on West Pine Street in to both educate the public and show our commitment to water-wise landscaping. The internet is also a valuable resource for water conservation methods and Xeriscaping ideas. An easy and effective place to install a Xeriscape is in planter strips, the small strip of soil located between the road and sidewalk. This small strip of land is almost impossible to water without watering the sidewalk and street, making it ideal for a low or no water landscape.

The typical concerns about converting traditional landscaping deal with cost and the amount of work that it entails. The upfront cost of converting to Xeriscape can be offset by the many benefits that come from the new landscape. A good Xeriscape can increase property value by as much as 15% and can also reduce water and maintenance costs by up to 60%. Planning and patience are key components in successfully converting a landscape area. Conversion can take place in phases to reduce cost and effort.

School District 25 and Idaho State University took the call to reduce water use seriously. Their efforts to retrofit existing irrigation devices and watering schedules resulted in a decrease of water consumption between 25% and 40% annually. The real issue is conservation - reducing water waste through proper irrigation along with finding ways to achieve attractive, comfortable landscapes without excess water use should be a common goal for everyone.

In conjunction with the Water Department, the Bannock County Solid Waste Department is also part of the ongoing education. Community efforts of reducing, recycling and reusing products, along with managing yard waste, will help save the landfill and protect the environment.

Over the last 19 years, the Water Department's “Water Week” event has educated approximately 38,000 children and adults in the area. The program has won the American Water Works Association Pacific Northwest competition in “Water Education” and the 2008 Association of Idaho Cities – City Achievement Award.

For more information about “Water Week” or if you wish to schedule a group to attend, please call Debbie Green at 234-6179. For more information about water conservation issues, check out these websites: www.slowtheflow.org ; www.highcountrygardens.com ; www.xeriscape.org ; or www.denverwater.org