AWWA ACE63240

Historically, conservation of water resources occurs either during periods of drought or whencertain external factors (such as growth) create a situation where water supplies are stretched totheir limit. Until recently, little if any thought has been given to managing water resources inwater-rich areas, especially during non-drought periods. However, with unpredictable weatherpatterns, along with increased demands for water, more attention is being directed at managingwater resources on a continuous, year-round basis. This "management" of resources can beaccomplished in a number of different ways, including, but not limited to, pricing strategies,customer education, alternative rate structures, and mandatory restrictions.Spartanburg Water System (SWS), located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, implemented inAugust 2002 a mandatory outside watering restriction program for customers within its servicearea. The purpose behind the watering restriction was to attenuate the availability of amplewater supplies in its reservoirs in the wake of a five-year drought. This drought, which produceda record deficit rainfall of 55+ inches during the five-year period, created concerns regardingSWS's ability to meet system demands should the drought have continued for an additional 12months. To react to this concern, SWS implemented several conservation measures, includingthe previously mentioned outside watering restrictions, aimed at reducing the rate availablereservoir water supplies were being depleted. With a 20% system-wide reduction goal, SWSwas able to reduce water demand, prolong available water supplies, and ensure that water wouldcontinue to be available for its customers in the future. Although mandatory outside waterrestrictions were lifted in the fall of 2002, today, three years after the culmination of the five-yeardrought, SWS continues to be successful in reducing system-wide water demands through anumber of innovative control strategies.As a result of the most recent drought, many lessons were learned. First and foremost,management of water resources should be continuous, and long-range planning efforts shouldtarget reduction of both peak and average daily demands. Moreover, efforts should be made toincrease public education regarding water conservation. In examining near-term historical waterdemands, SWS has been able to effectively manage and reduce these demands through theimplementation of various management techniques as well as an aggressive marketing campaignutilizing the benefits of multimedia to effectively engage water system customers. Includes abstract only.

Product Details

Edition:

Vol. - No.

Published:

06/01/2006

Number of Pages:

1

File Size:

1 file , 220 KB