"Grass" By Any Other Name - Xeriscaping And Sustainability

With water conservation and use policy considered to be among the greatest challenges facing contemporary society, this case takes on the enduring issues associated with water and how it impacts urban planning, land use, water conservation, economic development, and sustainability. Conflicted on the uses of natural and artificial turf, Jerard Leon, director of Blue Havens Planning Commission recommends that Joseph Teaberry, landscape architect, contact a premier program on xeriscape in the United States the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA). Teaberry prepares for an in-depth, structured interview with Doug Bennett, conservation manager of SNWA. He reviews the relevant academic and professional literature on the hydrologic cycle, and the economics and geological concerns that affect water use policy, including the meaning of Water quality, Watershed, and the sundry metrics used to assess water quality under the Clean Water Act, 1972. As the structured interview reveals, Teaberry learns about the history of water policy in the Colorado Basin, the multiple uses and costs associated with water consumption in the SNWA, and the conservation practices and water policy pricing policies and how they impact water utilization. In the final analysis, Teaberry discusses the various strategic management practices employed by SNWA and their attendant efficacies, successes/failures pertaining to water policy education, pricing, inducement, enforcement, and the future water policy concerns. The case has several take-away points associated with xeriscape policy, followed by six poignant questions that stimulate broad discussion on the general areas of water resource policy.

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Assessing Anthracene and Arsenic Contamination within Buffalo River Sediments

International Journal of Ecology ◽

10.1155/2012/496740 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 2012 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Adrian Gawedzki ◽

K. Wayne Forsythe

Keyword(s):

Water Quality ◽

Spatial Interpolation ◽

River Sediments ◽

The United States ◽

Arsenic Contamination ◽

Industrial Activity ◽

Interpolation Technique ◽

History Of ◽

Buffalo River ◽

Area Of Concern

Anthracene and arsenic contamination concentrations at various depths in the Buffalo River were analyzed in this study. Anthracene is known to cause damage to human skin and arsenic has been linked to lung and liver cancer. The Buffalo River is labelled as an Area of Concern defined by the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement between Canada and the United States. It has a long history of industrial activity located in its near vicinity that has contributed to its pollution. An ordinary kriging spatial interpolation technique was used to calculate estimates between sample locations for anthracene and arsenic at various depths. The results show that both anthracene and arsenic surface sediment (0–30 cm) is less contaminated than all subsurface depths. There is variability of pollution within the different subsurface levels (30–60 cm, 60–90 cm, 90–120 cm, 120–150 cm) and along the river course, but major clusters are identified throughout all depths for both anthracene and arsenic.

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Roles of the Water Court and the State Engineer for water administration in Colorado

Water Policy ◽

10.2166/wp.2017.145 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 19 (5) ◽

pp. 837-850 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

William C. McIntyre ◽

David C. Mays

Keyword(s):

State Government ◽

Water Policy ◽

Water Rights ◽

The United States ◽

The State ◽

The Us ◽

State Engineer ◽

History Of ◽

Water Administration ◽

Civil Courts

Colorado manages water using an administrative structure that is unique among the United States following the doctrine of prior appropriation: Water rights are adjudicated not by the State Engineer, but by Water Courts – separate from and operating in parallel to the criminal and civil courts – established specifically for this purpose. Fundamental to this system is the notion that water rights are property, with consequent protections under the US Constitution, but with the significant constraint that changes in water rights must not injure other water rights, either more senior or more junior. Population growth and climate change will certainly trigger changes in water administration, to be guided by the recent Colorado Water Plan. To provide the foundation necessary to appreciate these changes, this paper reviews the history of Colorado water administration and summarizes the complementary roles of the Water Courts and the State Engineer. Understanding water administration in Colorado depends on a firm grasp on how these two branches of state government formulate and implement water policy.

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Addressing Gaps in Environmental Water Policy Issues across Five Mediterranean Freshwater Protected Areas

Water ◽

10.3390/w10121853 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (12) ◽

pp. 1853 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Dionissis Latinopoulos ◽

Pantelis Sidiropoulos ◽

Ifigenia Kagalou

Keyword(s):

Water Quality ◽

Protected Areas ◽

Water Framework Directive ◽

Water Policy ◽

Management Practices ◽

Gap Analysis ◽

Environmental Water ◽

Extra Effort ◽

Environmental Goals ◽

Water Uses

The increasing pressure on water resources in Europe’s broader area led member states to take measures and adopt a common legislative “umbrella” of directives to protect them. The aim of this research is to investigate practicing deficiencies, information lacks and distances from optimal status as set by the Water Framework Directive and supporting water uses. This contributes to the improvement of the efficiency and harmonization of all environmental goals especially when management of Protected Areas is addressed. Gap analysis, an approach that reveals the distance between current and desired level, was carried out, targeting five Mediterranean hydro-ecosystems, covering three major water policy pillars “Monitoring Practices”, “Management Practices” and “Water Quality and Pressures”. Data for such analyses was collected by literature research supported by a query matrix. The findings revealed a lack in compliance with the Water Framework Directive regarding the “Monitoring Practices” and several deficiencies in sites burdened by eutrophication and human pressures on “Water Quality and Pressures” field. As for “Management Practices”, extra effort should be applied in all hydro-ecosystems to reach the desirable state. We suggest that gap analysis, as a harmonization tool, can unify apparently different areas under the same goals to reveal the extra necessary “investment”.

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Spatiotemporal variation of bacterial water quality and the relationship with pasture land cover

Journal of Water and Health ◽

10.2166/wh.2017.101 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 15 (6) ◽

pp. 839-848 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Erin E. Scott ◽

Mansoor D. K. Leh ◽

Brian E. Haggard

Keyword(s):

Water Quality ◽

Land Cover ◽

Best Management Practices ◽

Management Practices ◽

The United States ◽

Illinois River ◽

Health Concern ◽

E Coli ◽

Pasture Land ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Pathogens are a major cause of water quality impairment and public health concern world-wide. In the United States, each state is tasked with developing water quality standards (WQS) to protect the designated use(s) of waterbodies. Several streams in the Illinois River Watershed in northwest Arkansas are currently listed as impaired due to elevated levels of pathogens. Our objective was to evaluate Escherichia coli (E. coli) numbers at 29 stream sites, compare these numbers to the applicable WQS, and investigate the relationship between E. coli numbers and land cover variables. E. coli numbers in samples collected at most sites were within allowable limits, although there were several instances of violations of the WQS. Violations were variable from year to year at some sites, and elevated levels of E. coli were spatially localized during baseflow. Violations also were positively related to pasture land cover in the drainage area, and particularly within the riparian buffer area. This relationship was non-linear, or threshold based, where there was a significant increase in the mean E. coli exceedances when riparian pasture land cover was greater than approximately 50%. These results can be used to identify specific stream reaches where E. coli numbers might be elevated and the implementation of best management practices can be geographically targeted.

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Regulatory and Resource Management Practices for Urban Watersheds: The Florida Experience

HortTechnology ◽

10.21273/horttech.22.4.418 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 22 (4) ◽

pp. 418-429 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Richard O. Carey ◽

George J. Hochmuth ◽

Christopher J. Martinez ◽

Treavor H. Boyer ◽

Vimala D. Nair ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Water Quality ◽

Resource Management ◽

Atmospheric Deposition ◽

Management Practices ◽

The United States ◽

Nutrient Concentrations ◽

Septic Systems ◽

Urban Watersheds ◽

Urban Water ◽

Urban Water Quality

Urban water quality management is becoming an increasingly complex and widespread problem. The long-term viability of aquatic ecosystems draining urban watersheds can be addressed through both regulatory and nutrient and water management initiatives. This review focuses on U.S. regulatory (federal, state, and local) and management (runoff, atmospheric deposition, and wastewater) impacts on urban water quality, specifically emphasizing programs in Florida. Because of rapid population growth in recent decades, and projected increases in the future, appropriate resource management in Florida is essential. Florida enacted stormwater regulations in 1979, before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) amended the Clean Water Act (CWA) to regulate stormwater discharges. However, in the United States, more research has been conducted on larger structural best management practices (BMPs) (e.g., wet ponds, detention basins, etc.) compared with smaller onsite alternatives (e.g., green roofs, permeable pavements, etc.). For atmospheric deposition, research is needed to investigate processes contributing to enhanced deposition rates. Wastewater (from septic systems, treatment plants, and landfills) management is especially important in urban watersheds. Failing septic systems, elevated nutrient concentrations in discharged effluent, and landfill leachate can all potentially degrade water quality. Proposed numeric nutrient criteria from the USEPA and innovative technologies such as bioreactor landfills are emergent regulatory and management strategies for improved urban water quality.

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Potted Poinsettia Production: Irrigation and Water Quality

EDIS ◽

10.32473/edis-ss431-2004 ◽

1969 ◽

Vol 2004 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Craig D. Stanley ◽

Brent K. Harbaugh

Keyword(s):

Water Quality ◽

Water Conservation ◽

Management Practices ◽

Fertility Control ◽

Environmental Water ◽

Cooperative Extension Service ◽

University Of Florida ◽

Advantages And Disadvantages ◽

Intensively Managed ◽

The Impact

There is no more essential component for the poinsettia production system than water, yet it is often less intensively managed than other production inputs. Perhaps the tendency to overlook the importance of water occurs because its use is linked so closely to other components of production which are intensively managed. Water management is a critical consideration for many aspects of production such as fertility control, media selection, and disease and insect control. In addition, because water conservation and protection have become important issues to society as a whole, poinsettia producers must consider management practices which minimize the impact that production has on the environment and water resources. This paper will discuss the uses of water in poinsettia production, the advantages and disadvantages of the use of different irrigationsystems (management, maintenance, water conservation, and economics) available for poinsettia production, irrigation water requirements and scheduling, and plant and environmental water quality concerns. This is document SL-212, a publication of the Soil and Water Science Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. Published January 2004.

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Climate co-benefits of water quality trading in the Chesapeake Bay watershed

Water Policy ◽

10.2166/wp.2012.166 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 14 (5) ◽

pp. 758-765 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Rebecca R. Gasper ◽

Mindy Selman ◽

Matthias Ruth

Keyword(s):

Water Quality ◽

Chesapeake Bay ◽

Management Practices ◽

Agricultural Land ◽

The United States ◽

Environmental Benefits ◽

Water Quality Trading ◽

Chesapeake Bay Watershed ◽

Multiple Markets ◽

Water Quality Markets

Water quality markets are gaining worldwide popularity as strategies to provide flexibility and cost savings to sources managing pollution. One prominent example is the establishment of water quality trading programs in the Chesapeake Bay watershed in the United States to manage nonpoint and point source pollution. Some of the agricultural land use practices that can be used to generate offsets in water quality markets in this region have other environmental benefits including greenhouse gas (GHG) sequestration. This study describes the structure of Maryland's water quality trading program, its climate co-benefits and its potential link with GHG markets. Results reveal that Maryland's agricultural sector could offset half of its GHG emissions by 2020 through projects primarily designed to improve water quality. The potential opportunity for agricultural sources to participate in multiple markets could provide incentives for the adoption of management practices that have climate co-benefits. The results of this study could guide the continued development of multiple markets in the Bay watershed and other regions of the world where ecosystem markets play a role in pollution management.

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Enhancing landowner adoption of the Natural Resource Conservation Service’s recommended beef cattle grazing management practices

Advancements in Agricultural Development ◽

10.37433/aad.v2i1.89 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 56-69

Author(s):

Taylor Olsovsky ◽

Robert Strong

Keyword(s):

Water Quality ◽

Beef Cattle ◽

Natural Resource ◽

Nonpoint Source Pollution ◽

Water Conservation ◽

Management Practices ◽

Resource Conservation ◽

Nonpoint Source ◽

Grazing Management ◽

Natural Resource Conservation

Water has a significant role in society, whether through human consumption or agricultural use. The Lavaca Watershed is an agricultural community affected by nonpoint source pollution, and water quality protection is of high concern. Beef cattle operations are linked to nonpoint source pollution which contaminates surrounding water sources. If proper grazing management practices are not used, wastes from the operation impair water quality in the area. Landowners should use proper stocking rates and implement best management practices to benefit land and water quality in addition to overall operation profit. Females reported a higher intention to adopt, indicating these respondents are more open to practice changes on their own operation. Results indicated a need for the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and Texas Soil and Water Conservation Board to conduct further outreach to increase interaction with landowners. NRCS agencies could help increase the use of water conservation plans and inquiries by making this clear to current landowners participating in their program as well as potential clients by sending informational flyers or speaking at local organizational gatherings. The importance of adopting water management practices and barriers to adoption are ongoing global concerns.

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Consumer Perceptions, Attitudes, and Purchase Behavior with Landscape Plants during Real and Perceived Drought Periods

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci12482-17 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 53 (1) ◽

pp. 49-54 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Melinda Knuth ◽

Bridget K. Behe ◽

Charles R. Hall ◽

Patricia T. Huddleston ◽

R. Thomas Fernandez

Keyword(s):

Water Conservation ◽

Management Practices ◽

Well Being ◽

The United States ◽

Consumer Perceptions ◽

Survey Tool ◽

Landscape Plants ◽

The Future ◽

And Behavior ◽

Attitudes And Behavior

In the coming decades, no natural resource may prove to be more critical to human health and well-being than water. There is abundant evidence that the condition of water resources in many parts of the United States is deteriorating. In some regions of the country, the availability of sufficient water to meet growing domestic uses, and the future sufficiency of water to support the use of landscape plants where we live, work, and play is in doubt. Conservation through water efficiency measures and water management practices may be the best way to help resolve water problems. Yet, consumer perceptions and attitudes and behavior toward water conservation may differ widely, particularly in the presence of drought. This study sought to add to the current horticulture and water conservation literature by exploring consumer attitudes and behavior during real and perceived drought situations, especially in terms of their landscape purchases and gardening/landscaping activities. Study findings could better inform educational programs and marketing strategies, helping to ensure the future demand of Green Industry products and services. With a national sample of 1543 subjects, an online survey tool was used to classify respondents into categories based on whether they accurately perceived if the region in which they lived was experiencing drought. We hypothesized that consumers were heterogeneous in their attitudes and behavior regarding plants and water conservation, depending on their real and perceived drought situations, and that their attitudes affected their behavior regarding plant purchases. Results confirmed this hypothesis. Attitudes and behaviors for those who correctly perceived they were in drought were different from those who correctly perceived they were not in drought, as well as those who incorrectly did not perceive they were in an actual drought.

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Contaminated Sediment Management: the Canadian Experience

Water Quality Research Journal ◽

10.2166/wqrj.2001.024 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 36 (3) ◽

pp. 395-411 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Roger Santiago ◽

Jean-Pierre Pelletier

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Water Quality ◽

Great Lakes ◽

Management Practices ◽

Action Plan ◽

The United States ◽

Pilot Scale ◽

Sediment Management ◽

Contaminated Sediment ◽

Areas Of Concern

Abstract Since the beginning of North America's industrialization, the Great Lakes have been negatively impacted by the discharge of industrial, agricultural and municipal pollutants. The governments of Canada and the United States have recognized that the accumulation of pollutants within the bottom sediment and the water column has had a detrimental effect on the Great Lakes ecosystem. In 1972, Canada and the United States signed the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, which established common water quality objectives and commitments to programs and other measures to achieve these objectives. This included measures for the abatement and control of pollution from dredging activities. By 1985, the International Joint Commission, a body established by the two countries to provide advice on boundary water issues, identified 43 Areas of Concern where impaired water quality prevented full beneficial use of rivers, bays, harbours and ports. The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, amended in 1987, committed both countries to concentrate remediation efforts in these 43 Areas of Concern. This led to the development of Remedial Action Plans to assess and remediate contamination problems. Contaminated sediment was identified in all of these Areas of Concern. In 1989, the Canadian government created the 5-year $125-million Great Lakes Action Plan in support of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. Of this, $55 million was allocated to the Great Lakes 2000 Cleanup Fund for the 17 Canadian Areas of Concern. A portion of the Cleanup Fund was designated for the development and demonstration of technologies for assessment, removal and treatment of contaminated sediment. Since its creation, the Remediation Technologies Program, established under the Cleanup Fund, has successfully performed 3 full-scale remediation projects, 11 pilot-scale technology demonstrations and 29 bench-scale tests. In addition to these projects, the program also evaluated existing sediment management practices and processes.

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