BULLET BACKGROUND PAPER

ON

EPA's WATER EFFICIENCY LEADER AWARD

PURPOSE

To provide a summary of the EPA's Water Efficiency Leader Award (WEL) received by Lackland AFB. 

BACKGROUND

Lackland AFB won the WEL Award in the Government/Military category.  This is only the second year the award has been given.  The winner of the 2006 award was the State of Florida.  Applicants must show an overall improvement in water efficiency with actual (as opposed to anticipated) results that demonstrate the amount of water saved.  The award announcement was made on 03 Dec 07 at the Texas Water Development Board's Water Summit 2007.  A press release was issued by the EPA on 04 Dec 07. 

DISCUSSION

Since 2004, Lackland AFB has saved over 342 million gallons of water as a result of base initiatives.  Lackland has saved 21 million gallons of water by upgrading facility cooling systems.  Two large water-cooled chillers were replaced with air-cooled chillers at Buildings 146 and 10416 and air-cooled chillers were installed at Buildings 9225, 7065, and 7445.  Installation of waterless urinals at Warrior Week saves more than 2.6 million gallons each year.  A new chemical treatment program for water used in chillers and boilers at 29 buildings has saved 40 million gallons of water in 3 years.  Replacing old water fixtures with new low flow devices at two dental clinics and a maintenance facility has saved 600,000 gallons of water.  Installing water efficient landscapes at Buildings 5595, 2484, 5160, 10285, and 10380 has reduced irrigation by 1.5 million gallons.  Recycled wastewater purchased from the San Antonio Water System is used to irrigate the Parade Field and Gateway Hills Golf Course, and supply the Total Energy Plant cooling tower.  Using this recycled water has saved 274 million gallons of potable water since purchasing began in late 2005.

In addition to these infrastructure improvements, Lackland has developed a Drought Management Plan that requires water conservation measures during non-drought conditions.  Such measures include no irrigation between 1000 and 2000 and car washing allowed only at commercial car washes.  Lackland has educated the base populace on water conservation measures by providing information to each new base housing resident, publishing 4 articles in the Talespinner since 2006, and providing a link on the Lackland intranet homepage.

SUMMARY

As the 2007 award winner, Lackland will serve on the judging panel for 2008.  An official award certificate will be mailed to Lackland.