Title: Water Wise and Energy Smart Program Ft. Huachuca, Arizona
1CONTACT WWES 538-7283
2Welcome to Fort Huachuca!
3Although most people think of Saguaro cactus and
the Sonoran Desert when they think of Arizona,
Fort Huachuca is located in the high desert at
nearly 5000 ft in elevation.
4Ft. Huachuca has a moderate climate with
approximately 15 inches of rainfall each year.
5The Huachuca Mountains rise to over 9000 ft.
6There is water here, in the mountain canyons.
Garden Canyon and Huachuca Canyon have streams
that flow year-round.
7Fall colors in the mountain canyons can be
beautiful.
8The fort gets some snowfall each winter, but not
enough to shovel or close highways.
Snowpack in the high mountains slowly melts into
the ground, adding to the groundwater.
9May and June are hot and dry.
10July brings our rainy season, the monsoons,
when we get 80 of our rainfall.
11Normally quiet streams can flood quickly.
12Do not try to drive through flooded water
crossings.
13Our mountains are also home to an assortment of
wildlife.
14Black bears are usually found in the higher
mountains but can descend looking for food.
15Though rarely seen, mountain lions are found on
Fort Huachuca. Use caution when jogging in the
mountains or hiking with dogs and small children.
16Several species of rattlesnakes are found here.
Most are easily avoided.
17Also be aware of africanized bees found in this
area. Avoid bee hives.
18Some of our wildlife is unique, like the coati, a
relative of the raccoon.
19Many spectacular species of birds are found here.
20Including wild turkey.
21And the symbol of the southwest, the Roadrunner.
22Nearby is the San Pedro Riparian National
Conservation Area
23This federally protected area includes the finest
remaining desert river in the southwest.
Vermilion Flycatcher
24Many rare species, including some listed on the
Endangered Species list are found in the
mountains and along the river.
Mexican Spotted Owl
25Agave
Ramsey Canyon Leopard Frog
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Lesser Long-nosed Bat
26San Pedro Watershed Challenges
- Sierra Vista Area- 65 population increase since
1980 (currently 60,000)? - U.S. Army, Fort Huachuca- largest employer in
Cochise County - San Pedro River-is an important, federally
protected resource.
27To comply with the Endangered Species Act, water
conservation is required on Ft. Huachuca to
reduce the groundwater deficit.
Goal Balanced Water Budget by 2011
28The Fort has made great progress, reducing water
use by more than 60.
29But there is more work to be done.
30Our water comes from wells tapping the aquifer
that feeds the San Pedro River.
31It is stored in a 3 million gallon tank near
Barnes Field House.
32To further protect the river, the purchase of
agricultural lands and conservation easements has
reduced water use in the watershed.
33Construction of catchment basins and water
retention features has increased recharge of the
aquifer.
34The Mountain View Golf Course, since 1969, has
used effluent--treated sewage water that not only
saves our underground freshwater supply, but
helps to recharge the aquifer.
35Sentinel Field behind Eiffler Gym has artificial
turf that not only does not need to be watered,
but has a drainage system under the turf that
directs water to a catchment area to recharge the
aquifer.
36The latest in water-saving fixtures have been
installed.
Waterless urinals have saved over 25 million
gallons of water.
37In the housing areas, front yards have desert
landscaping with limited plantings.
38Backyards have Bermuda grass lawns.
Brown and dormant in the winter, green in the
summer.
39Landscaping with native, drought-tolerant plants
reduces the need for supplemental watering.
Chaparral Sage
40Desert landscaping does not mean using cactus. In
fact, cactus are not recommended for residential
use.
41Mulching can maximize the effectiveness of
watering.
42Container gardening is a great way to minimize
water use and provide color (or vegetables).
43Careful watering of trees can be the difference
between a sick tree and a healthy one.
44Water around the drip line where the roots are,
not at the trunk.
45Follow the post guidelines on watering for
landscape. Do not allow water to run down the
gutters.
46What you can do at home to save water
Full loads in washing machines
Use water savings settings
47Conserve water in the kitchen and bathroom. Dont
let the water run.
48Washing the car can use.
150 Gallons At home
15 Gallons at Car Wash
49Both inside and outside, at home and at work,
check for leaks and repair them right away.
To report a leak, call 533-3151
50The Army is also committed to saving energy.
51Solar panels provide power and heat water around
the fort.
52Wind power is another source of electricity being
used on Fort Huachuca.
53In post housing, solar tubes bring the light of
the sun inside.
Ceiling fans can reduce the need for air
conditioning.
54Turn off lights and appliances when not in use.
55What we do at home and work on Post can make a
significant difference in conserving water and
energy, protecting the San Pedro River, and
making sure that Fort Huachuca continues to
achieve its mission responsibilities.
56The University of Arizona Cochise
County Cooperative Extension Office contracted
through the Directorate of Public Works on Ft.
Huachuca
57CONTACT WWES 538-7283