6/7/2022

The fiscal water year (or period of time over which precipitation is measured for an area) for 2021 came to an end this past September. It was another very dry and hot weather pattern for the entire Western United States, meaning water usage was at an all-time high.

Last August, the United States government issued its first-ever water shortage restriction on the Colorado River. So far in 2022, that pattern has continued and 98% of the region is in some stage of drought. The state of Arizona is slotted to lose nearly 1/5 of its water allotment out of the Colorado River. The state is looking into piping in water from the Mississippi River as a potential water supply for the region.

Securing Water Supply During a Water Supply Shortage

As the water supply from the Colorado River continues to decrease, the southwest agricultural communities are looking for continued means to secure water supplies. This includes tapping into underground aquifers and procuring wells and pumps on their respective properties. Municipalities are also looking for new ways to tap into existing water reservoirs.

Lake Mead in the Las Vegas area has constructed a low-level tunnel underneath the lake to access more of the reservoir. This comes as Lake Mead currently sits at 35% capacity.

As the western US continues to face drought conditions now and in the future, what steps can be taken to mitigate some of the issues caused by drought? Several programs in place throughout the Southwest US reward customers for removing turf and replacing it with drought-tolerant plant material.

So, what does this mean for the golf communities of the Southwest? It is time to start preparing for continued dry conditions and additional water restrictions in the years to come.

Harrell’s is Ready for Changes in Weather Patterns in the Southwest

Harrell’s leverages several technological advancements and tools that include the patented POLYON® controlled-release fertilizer technology and a complete lineup of wetting agents to suit individual customer needs.

The POLYON® 44-0-0 technology has a proven track record in the southwest golf community as a go-to product for year-round application. 

The POLYON® technology allows turf managers or superintendents to apply the product and not water in immediately. This is a completely different way of thinking as traditional fertilizer sources need to be immediately followed by irrigation, and then another round of irrigation during the evening hours. 

Harrell’s Equips Turf Managers and Superintendents with the Tools to Succeed

Harrell’s provides golf course superintendents and turf managers with a complete line of tools designed to mitigate the challenges presented by a water shortage. These products include:

• Fleet® 100 which will help reduce soil water repellency and promote water infiltration
• Hydro-90®, a soil surfactant designed for use on turfgrass
• Symphony®, a product that helps break surface tension

Once in the root zone, Hydro-90® helps reduce soil water repellency, a cause of localized dry spot (LDS). When used as directed, Hydro-90® will help to improve the infiltration and overall movement of water in the root zone. Symphony® helps break surface tension and promote water infiltration.

All these products can assist maintenance operations in being more efficient in their water use capabilities, especially now in a period of unprecedented drought conditions.

As we continue to evolve maintenance practices around the water deficits facing the Southwest, let Harrell’s lead the way in providing the right recommendations and tools for continued success! Reach out to your local Harrell's rep for more information and recommendations on products.

References:
Avoiding water bankruptcy in the Southwest: What the US and Iran can learn from each other
BY: MOJTABA SADEGH, ALI MIRCHI, AMIR AGHAKOUCHAK AND KAVEH MADANI - OCTOBER 21, 2021 

Drought expands in the Southwest, worsening the region's fire risk and water crisis.
By Rachel Ramirez and Brandon Miller, CNN
Updated 9:38 AM ET, Fri May 6, 2022