2006/2/7

It's time to turn off the spigot and tap our water-wise ways. Tucson's warm, extra-dry weather means water consumption and forest-fire risk are on the rise.

The current dry spell is a record breaker, and 2005 was the third-warmest year in Tucson in more than 100 years. No substantial relief — spell that r-a-i-n — is expected until late spring or early summer.

Yes, it's only February, and we're not used to thinking about "Beat the Peak" or "Slow the Flow" water-reduction programs until the temperature nears 100 degrees and we start the annual "but it's a dry heat" lament.

But present conditions mean it's time to think conservation and cut consumption.

The daily demand for water is about 10 million to 15 million gallons more than normal for this time of year, said Mitch Basefsky, Tucson Water spokesman.

Although Tucson Water is not looking at mandatory restrictions yet, the department has turned on wells that would normally be off this time of year to meet the increased demand.

It's time to reinforce our basic desert-dwelling water tactics, such as turning off the water while brushing our teeth and limiting shower time.

In addition, the warm, dry winter with so little rain has put stress on plants, even desert plants.

"Water efficiently" is Basefsky's advice. And we concur.

If a plant or tree needs water, quench its thirst, but do so with care. If a tree needs a drink, you don't necessarily need to turn on your entire irrigation system.

Likewise, don't overwater plants that normally go dormant this time of year.

The dry winter combined with a long-term drought is putting our forests at risk, too.

The current dry forest conditions are typical of those usually seen a few months from now, said Sarah Davis, assistant public affairs officer for Coronado National Forest.

Davis' sage advice: Practice fire-prevention behavior, such as snuffing that cigarette butt in an ashtray and, while hiking, not flicking it along the trail.

The Southern Arizona-style winter-wonderland weather means there are more people visiting the forest than in a typical chilly February, Davis said.

More people and less rain equals more fire potential and all the more reason to be cautious in the forests.

Because of the danger, we probably can expect some of the fire-safety restrictions usually imposed by the Forest Service around Memorial Day to be in place earlier, Davis said.

In addition, forest and site closures are a possibility, though not being discussed at the present time.

Rain is not in the forecast anytime soon. The dry spell is likely to continue indefinitely. It's a dangerous time for people who live in the desert.

Let's not forget the devastation left by the Aspen Fire that consumed 84,750 acres in the Catalinas in 2003.