Water Talk

The Water Expert just got a batch of new signs, and was willing to pose with one. Purple is the official color denoting reclaimed water in the world of water management. So when you see the lavender-colored lids in the grass all around Morrison Ranch, it’s a reminder that we use reclaimed water to irrigate. And soon you’ll see the purple signs as well.

Here’s a brief history and explanation for those who are interested in the scintillating topic of water use in Morrison Ranch:

When Higley Groves East and West were designed, the idea was to take the reclaimed water directly from the Town’s pipes, with the Town’s approval. This proved to be problematic, for a number of reasons, mostly having to do with projections for the future, and capacities, and such. That’s why it took years, not months, for Higley Groves East to actually use reclaimed water (HG East went fully online about six months ago). The Farm Bureau building was built in conjunction with the lake, and consequently was able to use the lake water for irrigation right away, as was the shopping center, as is Higley Estates. Highland Groves, on the other hand, will be building it’s lakes at the same time as the landscaping will be going in, so it will probably have to use potable water for a few months, until the lakes are operational.

Higley Groves West is in the process of testing the pump that will supply the reclaimed water; that’s why the northwest corner of the green belt is currently strewn with big white pipes (don’t worry, this is not the long-term landscaping design). Thus far, it’s been impossible to fully test the pump due to air in the lines; but the Town is working on a solution, and hopefully everything will be operational very soon.

I can’t imagine myself ever bending down for a drink of cool (?!) water from a sprinkler head, but if I were ever tempted, I would remember the Water Expert’s sign: No Beber! (Do Not Drink)