The Current

Edition: May 2024

The Current is the monthly newsletter of Innovative Water Solutions where we highlight the great stuff happening at our company and also bring you up-to-date with some of the current water news that could affect you. We hope you enjoy the newsletter!

• Blog Post of the Month: Energy Efficient Home
• FAQ Post of the Month: What can harvested rainwater be used for?
• Residential Project of the Month: Dripping Springs Residential Installation
• Commercial Project of the Month: Air Tractor Fire Protection Tank
• Water News Article #1: Historic lake nears record water levels after decades of severe drought
• Water News Article #2: Angry farmers target avocado orchards that suck up too much water
• Water News Article #3: Hawaii is “on the verge of a greater catastrophe,” locals say, as water crisis continues
• “Water Conservation Tip”
• Current Texas Drought Conditions
• Current Texas Water Calendar
• Video: Hawaii’s water crisis
• 20 year anniversary update

This residential installation in Dripping Springs, Texas was a seamless operation from the installation of gutters, down to the installation of the tank.  The soft sand base allows the tank to settle nicely, and while there are an abundance of trees on this property, the gutters have a fine mesh screen that filters out debris.  As this is the homeowners main source of water, the water is treated with carbon and sediment filters, as well as, a UV disinfectant light to kill any bacteria.

The patented Pioneer, Aqualiner, acts a barrier between the tank and the rainwater and it is the first tank liner with antimicrobial properties.  You can find more information about Pioneer, and their exclusive liner here.

Air Tractor, based in Olney, Texas, is a pioneering manufacturer of agricultural aircraft, renowned for their precision and efficiency in aerial application. Since 1972, they have led the industry with their rugged and versatile fleet, revolutionizing the way farmers care for their crops from above.

When Air Tractor contacted us for installation of a fire protection tank, we were happy to respond.  The tank serves as a water source for the local fire department to pull from in case of fire or other emergency.

The Corgal brand tank is built in layers, with each layer rising up to meet the sky as the one below it is being placed.

Heavy rains in Southern California have led to the surprising resurgence of a historic reservoir that hadn’t been full in decades.

As explained in the Ventura County Reporter in April, Lake Casitas is nearing 100% capacity for the first time since 1998. The lake is a popular recreation area where visitors enjoy boating, fishing, camping, and connecting with nature, so the rising level will draw even more explorers and benefit the businesses in the area.

“I mean, it’s amazing. It looks great,” said Carlos Hernandez, who works at the nearby Marina Cafe, where business has “perked up” since people learned of the lake nearing capacity. “Everybody is super excited and everybody’s very happy about it. A lot of long-time locals kind of never thought it would ever be full again in their lifetime. But it is, and they’re excited. They’re happy, you can tell.”

As a drought in Mexico drags on, angry subsistence farmers have begun taking direct action on thirsty avocado orchards and berry fields of commercial farms that are drying up streams in the mountains west of Mexico City.

Rivers and even whole lakes are disappearing in the once green and lush state of Michoacan, as the drought combines with a surge in the use of water for the country’s lucrative export crops, led by avocados.

In recent days, subsistence farmers and activists from the Michoacan town of Villa Madero organized teams to go into the mountains and rip out illegal water pumps and breach unlicensed irrigation holding ponds.

A potential conflict looms with avocado growers — who are often sponsored by, or pay protection money to, drug cartels.

In Hawaii, one of the most important sayings is ola i ka wai, “water is life” — a phrase that not only sums up what it means to exist on an island, but what it means to live, period. But now, one of the largest of the island chain’s land masses is facing a triple threat to its sole freshwater source, and if it isn’t addressed soon, one community member says, “we’re in deep trouble.”

Despite being surrounded by seemingly endless ocean, freshwater on Oahu, the third-largest of Hawaii’s six major islands, is not easily accessible. The island relies on an underground aquifer for its water supply. Replenishing that aquifer is a decades-long natural process, as it takes a single drop of water roughly 25 years to make it there from the sky.

May is Water Awareness Month!

As May unfolds, so does a crucial opportunity to raise awareness about our planet’s most precious resource: water. Recognized as Water Awareness Month, this period serves as a reminder of the vital role water plays in sustaining life and ecosystems. It’s a time to reflect on our water usage habits and commit to conservation efforts. Simple steps like fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, capturing rainwater for gardening, and minimizing water waste while washing dishes or brushing teeth can collectively make a significant impact on preserving this invaluable resource for future generations. Let’s embrace the spirit of Water Awareness Month and pledge to be mindful stewards of water, ensuring its availability and quality for all.

SOURCE: National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA).

2024 marks 20 years of business for Innovative Water Solutions!

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