2011 Scholarship Essay - 3rd Place Jacob Rapstine

Use Less...Use Wise

Water conservation has been around for decades, but in recent years it has become more prevalent due to decreasing water supply.

However, my generation tends to seek smaller homes and lower or no care lawns, partially due to the smaller budgets and recession our country is experiencing. So, it seems perfect timing to use wise water management strategies, for not only our generation, but everyone. No doubt we all admit there is not enough water for our current needs and habits. The year I was born, it is likely that most people in Carson County would have laughed at the thought of buying a bottle of water. Now most people buy bottled water daily. Our thoughts about water and its value have changed drastically.

Usually, everyone assumes that "conservation" and "efficient use" are the same. But, after researching this essay question, I realize that being "efficient" with water reduces our demand or need, which is "conserving" our water. So, efficiency is actually a part of conserving the resource.

"Efficiency" is being smart with our daily water habits, which saves up more water for future use. For example, when I brush my teeth without running the water the entire time, I have efficiently used less water. "Conserving" is more having to "do without" due to a lack of supply. For example, in the summer my Aunt & Uncle in South Texas are required to refrain from washing cars and watering lawns on certain days of the week. They are not allowed to use the water for certain things at certain times, without a fine. This is a sad example, but is what I consider a forced, necessary conservation.

Being from a small rural community and from generations of farmers, I am very familiar with our precious Ogallala Aquifer. I am also aware of the municipal and agricultural demands that affect our environment and policies that guide our city and farm usage of this resource. My dad and grandpa currently participate in the Conservation Equipment Programs to be able to implement pivot irrigation systems, through the Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District. The cost of pumping water for irrigation and the varying prices for grain and livestock, also are making the pivot systems a better answer for most farmers. My family has also planted varying crops that can be productive with little or no irrigation. If you drive through the Texas Panhandle now, it is very common to see field after field of cotton. My fall cotton tarping job, wouldn't be there if farmers didn't have to look at other crops that require less water and prosper from dryer hotter climates. Keeping on top of technology and real results for watering our crops in this dry climate, plays a huge part in being efficient with our water. One statistic in the January 23, 2011 The Texas Tribune article, "How Bad Is the Ogallala Aquifer's Decline In Texas?", says that "agriculture irrigation use accounts for 90% of the groundwater withdrawals in many areas of the Ogallala Aquifer region".

It still seems to me that "conserving" and "efficiency" go hand in hand. Without using water efficiently, the smartest ways possible, we will be unable to preserve or conserve enough for our future. I think the water management strategies are being focused correctly; training and educating at all ages, promoting wise plant choices for yards, incentives for farmers to use more efficient irrigation systems, and reminding our community of lifestyle choices that reduce usage. My generation has grown up with opportunity to know the value of respecting our most sacred resource, water. It is extremely concerning that most of the statistics are saying our Aquifer is depleting around 1-4 feet per year in our rural area. Hopefully, we will all make increasingly wise choices and avoid severe shortages and usage restriction policies. Being smart and efficient with water is like handling your money well. The more you save, the more you have down the road.