A. Ferron City has determined that some of the main challenges and concerns to water conservation are the following;
1. Many Citizens lack basic knowledge and understanding of how much water is needed to maintain healthy landscaping and how to consistently conserve the use of indoor water. Current practices seem to be based on convenience rather than actual plant need and supply considerations.
2. Drought tolerant plants and landscaping are not promoted locally and at times it is difficult to purchase drought tolerant plants and trees in local nurseries.
3. Many homeowners have large areas of grass and other water intensive landscaping.
4. Ferron City Ordinance 10-4-18
requires front and side yards to be landscaped however; there is no reference to drought tolerant plants or water wise landscaping in the ordinance.
5. The current water pricing and billing system, while adequate to cover the expenses in the water fund, lacks incentives for citizens and businesses to use water in a more conscious and efficient manner.
6. Secondary water is not metered, thus it is difficult to determine if water is wasted.
7. Water that spills from the Millsite Reservoir is channeled downstream and unavailable for use in the city secondary system.
8. Storage capacity in the Millsite Reservoir has declined due to the increase in sediment entering the reservoir.
B. Each challenge recognized gives the city an opportunity to improve. The first four (4) challenges can be addressed through well thought out conservation education opportunities. Local religious groups, schools and city publications can be used as a means to distribute education materials.
C. Revising current ordinances to promote water conservation landscaping and xeriscaping is a good way to allow citizens to become familiar with native drought tolerant plants. Samples of drought tolerant landscaping and xeriscaping can be obtained and on file at the city office and made available for new development. Furthermore, the example of the city use of drought tolerant landscaping around city buildings and in city parks will promote the cause and assist in acquainting citizens with water conservation measures and practices. Challenges five through seven allow the city to partner with other entities to develop additional conservation measures. Although it is difficult at best to accurately determine the amount of water wasted through the secondary system, the city may benefit from working with the Ferron Canal and Reservoir Company to assess programs and methods that will provide more water storage for use in drought years. Ferron City leaders have established working relationships with members of the Ferron Canal and Reservoir Company Board and are continually looking for ways to partner resources with the company to address these issues which will include dredging of the reservoir when conditions permit. (Res. 2013-9, 12-12-2013)