Just because we have had some rain recently, does not mean we are out of the drought! Significant rainfall has not fallen in the watershed northwest of Corpus Christi that supplies Choke Canyon and Lake Corpus Christi and as a result our lake levels remain low. As local water demand continues to grow with summer approaching, conserving water needs to be everyone’s concern. To help address this critical water issue, the Texas AgriLife Extension Service along with numerous co-sponsors will conduct a Water Conference on Friday, April 13, 2012 at the Del Mar Economic Development Center (3209 S. Staples, Rm 106), Corpus Christi. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. followed by the conference from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pre-registration for the conference is required by calling 361-767-5223 by April 6, 2012. There will be a registration fee of $10 per person payable at the door which does include a noon meal and conference supplies. Participants will be eligible for door prizes, including a rain barrel and numerous other water saving devices.
The conference will focus on methods to conserve water in the home, landscape, and business. The current water supply levels and projections for the coming months along with possible water use restrictions will be reviewed.
Conserving water in the home landscapes will be reviewed focusing on EarthKind Practices. In addition, improving water use efficiency with irrigation audits will be reviewed along with an actual demonstration in turf landscape. Harvesting rainwater around the home or business will be another featured topic for discussion.
How much water do you think you consume every day? You might initially consider the length of your daily shower. An efficient shower lasts 3 or 4 minutes, using only 7.5 gallons of water, as compared to an 8-minute shower using 17 gallons. More in-depth water saving tips will be discussed as it relates to indoor water conservation. Living next to a very large water source, the Gulf of Mexico, although salty, often raises the questions, if only we could remove that salt, our water worries would be history. There have been new developments in Desalination Technology and they will be reviewed by David Burnett, Director of Technology of GPRI and Research Coordinator at Texas A&M University.
Protection of our water supply is important and both groundwater and watershed protection will be reviewed at the conference. The conference will conclude with a Spring Rainfall Outlook presented by National Weather Service staff. Two CEU’s will be offered for pesticide applicators. Those participants that are MG and TMN will receive 6 CE’s. For more information on this conference please contact the Nueces County Extension Office at 361-767-5223.
Individuals with disabilities, who require an auxiliary aid, service or accommodation in order to participate in any of the mentioned activities, are encouraged to contact the County Extension Office at 361-767-5223 at least eight days before all programs for assistance.
Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all citizens without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age or national origin.
