Water Conservation in Waukesha
Background:
Throughout the late 19th century and early 20th century, Waukesha was known as “Spring City.” Not only was the water bubbling up from the ground in several locations across the city, but it was referred to as “miracle” water based off of the idea that it had the power to cure diseases. There was little need to limit water usage back then since supply was in abundance. This era didn’t last; human waste, industrial runoff, and residential development all contributed to the contamination and decrease in Waukesha’s available water. These problems weren’t dramatic enough to lead to a development of conservation plans. The solution was to drill deep wells and take the water from the ground instead of waiting for it come up on its own. The absence of conservation efforts have caused a drop of over 500ft in the water level of the underground water tables, which still continues to drop 5-9 feet every year.
Water conservation measures are relatively new to Waukesha. The earliest water conservation measures were established in 2006 by the Waukesha Water Utility. The 2006 Conservation and Protection Plan put forth goals and recommendation for water conservation as well as establishing water source protection to prevent further loss of clean water supplies. Beyond this, other ordinances have been implemented which promote the conservation of water. These ordinances implement a block water rate structure, limit outdoor irrigation (sprinkling restrictions), offer financial incentives for switching to more water efficient appliances, and establishing education programs pertinent to responsibly consuming water. Beyond these measures, no other city ordinances or laws have been passed, but there have been proposed ordinances. Current pending ordinances, if passed, aim to set restrictions on new building and recreational facility usage, require inspections for heavy water users, and set new standards for buildings being resold or leased.
Key Players:
The Waukesha Water Utility (WWU) is the main player in the controversy. The WWU, in collaboration with the Water Conservation Stakeholder Committee (WCSC), came up with the recommended plan to improve Waukesha’s water conservation effort. Another body involved, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), has recommended the AWE tool (an Excel calculator), which was used to calculate the water savings, equipment needed, and cost within the Waukesha water plan. The Water Conservation Stakeholder Committee was engaged in the water conservation planning process through an online survey, strategic customer interviews, and participation in the water conservation stakeholder committee. The input of the stakeholder committee helped establish a baseline for the City’s approach to future public information and educational activities.
Power-dynamics Analysis:
There is a line between having freedom and an unlimited usage of water, and having a regulated usage of water in an effort to prevent the abuse of the local environment and local water resources. The community appears to be divided over whether they should have unrestricted water usage, or have water usage restrictions. The current Power-dynamic lies between the consumer’s of Waukesha water, and those providing the water (WWU). The lack of forward progress on Waukesha’s water issues are a result of a lack of interest by the surrounding community and the apathy on the subject of water conservation as a whole. Even though there are rebates (financial incentives) available for consumers, there isn’t enough interest to begin engaging the public on the issue surrounding the water supply. The issue that surrounded this topic is one of power, and a struggle between two opinionated parties. A lack of a sense of duty from the citizens combined with the lack of education on an efficient usage of water supply create the current power-dynamic we see in the city of Waukesha.
References:
Water Conservation Plan. (2012, May 1). Retrieved November 13, 2015, from http://www.ci.waukesha.wi.us/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=4312880e-46ef-4402-9cf5-43277d0dfdf0&groupId=10113
"Water Conservation - Economic Incentives For Water Conservation." - October, Cited, HTTP, and WWW. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Nov. 2015.
Waukesha Water Utility - Ways to Conserve. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.waukesha-water.com/wtc.html
Behm, D. (2010, April 19). Spring City no more - Waukesha, once swimming in water resources, now struggles. Retrieved November 13, 2015, from http://www.jsonline.com/news/waukesha/91565334.html
Background:
Throughout the late 19th century and early 20th century, Waukesha was known as “Spring City.” Not only was the water bubbling up from the ground in several locations across the city, but it was referred to as “miracle” water based off of the idea that it had the power to cure diseases. There was little need to limit water usage back then since supply was in abundance. This era didn’t last; human waste, industrial runoff, and residential development all contributed to the contamination and decrease in Waukesha’s available water. These problems weren’t dramatic enough to lead to a development of conservation plans. The solution was to drill deep wells and take the water from the ground instead of waiting for it come up on its own. The absence of conservation efforts have caused a drop of over 500ft in the water level of the underground water tables, which still continues to drop 5-9 feet every year.
Water conservation measures are relatively new to Waukesha. The earliest water conservation measures were established in 2006 by the Waukesha Water Utility. The 2006 Conservation and Protection Plan put forth goals and recommendation for water conservation as well as establishing water source protection to prevent further loss of clean water supplies. Beyond this, other ordinances have been implemented which promote the conservation of water. These ordinances implement a block water rate structure, limit outdoor irrigation (sprinkling restrictions), offer financial incentives for switching to more water efficient appliances, and establishing education programs pertinent to responsibly consuming water. Beyond these measures, no other city ordinances or laws have been passed, but there have been proposed ordinances. Current pending ordinances, if passed, aim to set restrictions on new building and recreational facility usage, require inspections for heavy water users, and set new standards for buildings being resold or leased.
Key Players:
The Waukesha Water Utility (WWU) is the main player in the controversy. The WWU, in collaboration with the Water Conservation Stakeholder Committee (WCSC), came up with the recommended plan to improve Waukesha’s water conservation effort. Another body involved, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), has recommended the AWE tool (an Excel calculator), which was used to calculate the water savings, equipment needed, and cost within the Waukesha water plan. The Water Conservation Stakeholder Committee was engaged in the water conservation planning process through an online survey, strategic customer interviews, and participation in the water conservation stakeholder committee. The input of the stakeholder committee helped establish a baseline for the City’s approach to future public information and educational activities.
Power-dynamics Analysis:
There is a line between having freedom and an unlimited usage of water, and having a regulated usage of water in an effort to prevent the abuse of the local environment and local water resources. The community appears to be divided over whether they should have unrestricted water usage, or have water usage restrictions. The current Power-dynamic lies between the consumer’s of Waukesha water, and those providing the water (WWU). The lack of forward progress on Waukesha’s water issues are a result of a lack of interest by the surrounding community and the apathy on the subject of water conservation as a whole. Even though there are rebates (financial incentives) available for consumers, there isn’t enough interest to begin engaging the public on the issue surrounding the water supply. The issue that surrounded this topic is one of power, and a struggle between two opinionated parties. A lack of a sense of duty from the citizens combined with the lack of education on an efficient usage of water supply create the current power-dynamic we see in the city of Waukesha.
References:
Water Conservation Plan. (2012, May 1). Retrieved November 13, 2015, from http://www.ci.waukesha.wi.us/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=4312880e-46ef-4402-9cf5-43277d0dfdf0&groupId=10113
"Water Conservation - Economic Incentives For Water Conservation." - October, Cited, HTTP, and WWW. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Nov. 2015.
Waukesha Water Utility - Ways to Conserve. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.waukesha-water.com/wtc.html
Behm, D. (2010, April 19). Spring City no more - Waukesha, once swimming in water resources, now struggles. Retrieved November 13, 2015, from http://www.jsonline.com/news/waukesha/91565334.html