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Show THE SAN JUAN RECORD Wednesday, May 2, 2001 - Page 4 Reclamation office identifies Utah as second driest region The United States Bureau of Reclamation ranks Utah as the second driest region in the nation. Nevertheless, Utah residents still pay the second cheapest water rates in the mountain west Utahs popularity as a relo- cation destination compounds the potential for mounting water problems in the future. In fact, analysts predict that milnearly two and one-ha- lf lion people will reside along the Wasatch Front by the year 2020. urban water on landscapes, parks, golf courses and institutional properties. In the urban setting, some water places use for landscape purposes. But in communities without secnon-treat- ed ondary systems, landscape water comes from the potable or culinary supply. One-thir- d of urban water use in Utah occurs indoors, while the majority of the reends up on maining grass. A significant amount of water ends up running down two-thir- ds In addition, the majority of Utahs surface water has al- street gutters and storm ready been captured in reser- drains because many sprinklers are inefficient and wastevoirs and environmental concerns may hinder new state or ful, point out USU Extension federal projects in the future. and BOR. With water at a premium Finally, exceptionally dry water years are occurring across the state, BOR and more frequently than normal, Utah State University Extencausing people to draw more sion have developed a unique conservation program. heavily from wells. Landscape irrigation simpliDrawing heavily from the fied or LIS is a technique dewells, in turn, lowers the water table in Utah. signed to teach efficient methUtah water managers and ods for applying water to turf. The program is built around the United States Bureau of Reclamation consider the cur- the principle that only a fixed rent water situation serious, amount of water is needed to but not unworkable, especially insure greenery stays green. if users take action. Typical homeowners and In Utah, water user categolandscape managers are apries include municipal, indus- plying about twice as much trial, residential and agricul- water as the landscapes need, tural, according to the state explains Fred Lijjegren. and federal agencies. The BOR landscape specialIn general, the agricultural ist points out that inefficient sector uses water sprinkler Bystems, improperly for farms. set controllers and improper The municipal, industrial irrigation scheduling contriband residential sectors, on the ute to the problem. other hand, use the drinkable, LIS provides tools to assist non-treat- ed homeowners and landscape managers in addressing the major problems causing inefficiencies. The remedies include a sim- efficiently. plified irrigation schedule based on local evapotranspira-tio- performing as intended. The tools also include information that can be provided to clients to insure systems will operate n rates, enhanced water measuring catchcups, easy to understand performance evaluation procedures for determining irrigation system efficiency, step by step methods for determination of soil types and infiltration rates. The attempt to simplify the irrigation process is one of the programs strongest selling points, especially with BOR acting regional director Rick I am looking forward to having our county agents trained in the LIS methods, especially considering the current climate conditions, comments USU extension water conservation specialist Kelly Kopp. The simplicity of the technique will make it possible for county agents to begin educating the public this year. I also feel that cooperative efforts like this one will go a long way toward helping us reach the common goal of efficient water use in Utah, points out Kopp. According to projections, the average parents with a baby at home will see Utahs population soar to five million by the time grandchildren grow up. Water conservation and efficient use will not wait two generations to address. For information about the landscape program or to receive irrigation tables and test kits, Carbon County residents may contact Mike Stuver or Don Merrill at BOR at or Kelly Kopp at Utah State University. 801-379-10- 74 Gold. Its quite good, indicates People glaze over if have a technical dont they basis for understanding the Gold. concepts. The reclamation agency, in cooperation with USU Extension, developed the LIS system as an aid to improve the efficiency of irrigation practices. County extension agents will receive training from BOR officials. After becoming profi- Opportunities in rural Utah tourism is topic of satellite broadcast Utah State University Extension will address issues related to heritage, nature and agriculture tourism via satellite broadcast Tuesday, May 1, 12:05 p.m. at your local Utah State University Extension county office. The free broadcast, Opportunities in rural Utah through heritage, nature, and agricultural tourism is presented by Steve Burr, Institute for Outdoor Recreation and Tburism; Karen Biers, entrepreneurship cient in the LIS method, the agents will train residents and master gardener volunteers in the technique. Eventually, cooperative efforts between USU Extension, BOR, Utahs communities and water districts will insure that the public has access to education in the LIS technique. home-base- d business ExtenTbols provided by LIS can help sion specialist; and Gary Anderdesigners and installers verify son, area Extension agent for that an irrigation system is Why 89 Heritage Quarter. Burr, Biers, and Anderson will discuss the increase of interest and activity in the development of heritage attractions and associated heritage industries throughout Utah. Landowners are expressing interest in providing tourists with experiences related to agriculture or nature primarily driven by the economic potential that heritage, nature agriculture tourism offers -potentials that ban benefit the smallest towns in Utah. For more information call or your local Utah State Extension office. 435-797-15- 34 Brent Johansen D.D.S. Simplify your life with a personalized package policy that combines your insurance coverages into one. Call your Farm Bureau agent today to create a policy customized just for you. Farm Bureau Financial Services . . . more than you think. 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