At Snake River Water District, we believe water conservation is important. Our Rules & Regulations support conservation by charging customers significantly higher rates when they exceed a quarterly allocation of water usage. We also charge for the first gallon of water for irrigation accounts. SRWD wants our customers to use water efficiently and cost-effectively.
You may think that the most water usage in Keystone occurs in the ski season, but surprisingly, more water is consumed during the summer. Why? Irrigation of grass, flowers, and other landscaping. That is typical of most locations and most water districts.
It is interesting to note that most water used inside the home (90% or more) is returned to the sewer or wastewater treatment system. The percentage can vary depending on the household and its water usage habits. This return includes water from various activities such as:
- Bathing and showering
- Washing dishes and clothes
- Toilets and sinks
- Dishwashers and washing machines
Inside, some water is also lost in the form of evaporation. Most notably from watering plants. Some is lost from cooking, boiling water, or air conditioning, but this is a much smaller amount compared to what is returned as wastewater. Thus, consumption of water inside the house results in most of the water being returned to the Dillon Reservoir and ultimately the Colorado River for reuse. Carrying this data further, watering outside loses most of the water to evaporation. If you water your lawn, the water will not reach the Colorado River.
There are several reasons that conserving water is important:
Limited Resource: Freshwater is a finite resource, making up only about 2.5% of the world's water supply, and only a small fraction of that is readily accessible for human use. Keystone is an arid climate, so evaporation is more of a concern than areas in other parts of the country.
Sustainability: Conserving water ensures that future generations have enough water to meet their needs, whether for drinking, agriculture, or industry. It also helps maintain the natural mountain ecosystems that rely on freshwater sources. Overuse of water can harm ecosystems, causing rivers, lakes, and wetlands to dry up, which can endanger wildlife and plant species that depend on these habitats.
Energy Savings: Water treatment requires a lot of energy. By using less water, we reduce the energy needed for these processes.
Agriculture and Food Security: Agriculture consumes a large portion of global water resources. Efficient water use in farming helps preserve water supplies while ensuring food security.
Economic Benefits: By using water efficiently, businesses and households can reduce their water bills. Additionally, water shortages can damage economies, especially in areas where water-intensive industries like agriculture are prevalent.
In short, water conservation helps ensure that water remains available for both human and ecological needs, promoting a healthier and more sustainable future.