Overcoming the 'water cycle' myth: Conserving water in Oklahoma City

摘要

Stubborn drought in Oklahoma has been the precursor for water conservation programming in the City of Oklahoma City. Oklahomans have grown accustomed to plentiful water resources; however, due to persistent drought across the state, competition between municipalities, and population growth, water policy is becoming a serious concern. In 2013, the Oklahoma City Utilities Department contracted with the Oklahoma State University Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture (OSU) and the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service (OCES) to help promote outdoor water conservation throughout the city. Providing resources and education for homeowners and irrigation managers is a critical step to prepare for long-term drought conditions in a state withlimited water restrictions. A citywide telephone survey revealed many barriers for educators to overcome including participants' uncertainty in their ability to conserve water outdoors and lack of confidence on how to determine water needs of the landscape. This program has created many educational tools and outreach opportunities for homeowners, golf course managers, and irrigation contractors.