July 27, 2007

The chairman of Nebraska's Climate Assessment Response Committee (CARC) is asking all Nebraska residents, both rural and urban, to wisely manage their water resources during the remaining months of summer.

Neil Moseman, CARC chairman and assistant director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), said he is offering this reminder as western Nebraska continues to suffer severe drought conditions and eastern Nebraska drifts into "abnormally dry" and "drought moderate" categories on the U.S. Drought Monitor.

"While stewardship of our water resources should always be important, it becomes even more critical in times of high demand," Moseman said. "There are many simple steps that all Nebraskans can take to save water, such as repairing leaky faucets and using a broom, rather than a hose and water, to clear grass clippings off the driveway."

Governor Dave Heineman issued a proclamation in May proclaiming the months of June, July and August 2007 as the "Season of Water Conservation." Also, the national Irrigation Association has named July "Smart Irrigation Month," to promote efficient irrigation practices and technologically advanced irrigation products. Both designations highlight the need to conserve water for future generations, Moseman said.

DeLynn Hay, program leader for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension and a CARC member, encouraged irrigators to continue to closely monitor crop water needs and soil moisture storage as the last half of the irrigation season begins.

"Monitoring soil moisture status as the irrigation season approaches an end may let irrigators get by without a late irrigation run, especially if we are fortunate enough to get some late August or early September precipitation," Hay said.

Residents in communities also should be monitoring their water use, said Jack Daniel, administrator of Environmental Health Services for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, and a CARC member. He said as of July 19, 2007, 18 public water systems are taking water conservation measures either on a voluntary or mandatory basis.

"As drought increases, more systems will opt for mandatory limits," Daniel said. "Water conservation can help avoid this. Regardless of what Mother Nature has in store for Nebraska, water conservation is the responsible thing to do."

Hay said crop irrigators have several opportunities to participate in educational field days during August and September to help them learn more about managing irrigation water. Two key events are the Great Plains Conference on Improving Crop Water Productivity on August 9 and the Irrigation and Energy Conservation Workshop for Corn Growers on September 6, both to be held in North Platte. Several other activities are also planned, and those interested should contact their local UNL Extension office for more information, or visit the NDA's Drought Central website at www.droughtcentral.org.

Moseman said there are several resources available for those interested in learning more about water conservation. Drought Central has several links under the "General Public Drought Management Tips" section. More information on the national Irrigation Association's "Smart Irrigation Month" can be found at www.irrigation.org. The National Drought Mitigation Center's website is at http://drought.unl.edu.

NDA News Release