Community Notes 06-01-2011

1. Grow a Beard, Save Water. Through June 5th, people are encouraged to help save one million gallons of water simply by putting aside their razors. Budweiser, Living Lands & Waters and River Network are getting the word out to grow hair. To make your pledge, visit http://www.facebook.com/Budweiser?sk=app_159243144139685%29.
2. “Waters of the U.S.” About 60 of stream miles in the U.S., including wetlands and seasonal streams, lost protection under the Clean Water Act during the Bush administration. The Obama Administration and EPA are changing things again and the public is encouraged to make comments on the proposed EPA rules. Comments can be made until July 1st at http://www.rivernetwork.org/news/epa-calls-stronger-clean-water-act-protections.
3. Low Impact Development Design Guide. On June 14th at 3pm, Harris County will be introducing the adopted Low Impact Development Design Guide and answering questions at the Trini Mendenhall Sosa Community Center. The guide was drafted by members of the Houston Land/Water Sustainability Forum based on input gathered from a series of collaborative workshops held during the summer of 2010. RSVP by June 10th at http://www.houstonlwsforum.org/rsvp.html.
4. Urban Green Spaces Grant. The TKF Foundation will be accepting applications for grants up to $50,000 for teams that document the human and social benefits of natural areas in urban settings. These teams must conceptualize, plan, design, and implement a physical space; conduct associated research studies; and disseminate findings. For more information, visit http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/rfp_item.jhtml?id=340800035.
5. Conserve Water This Summer. The drought conditions across Texas are making water conservation more important than ever. Lawn and garden watering can take up about 40% of water use during the summer, so TCEQ has released some tips to save water, keep your yard healthy, and save money at the same time.
   1. Have your watering system inspected each year by a licensed irrigator to ensure proper operation. A licensed irrigator can be found at http://www.tceq.texas.gov/licensing/licenses/lilic.
   2. Water early in the morning.
   3. Landscape with native and drought-tolerant plants, which require lesser amounts of water, pesticides, fertilizers, and maintenance.
   4. Consider drip irrigation for plants and gardens to reduce water loss.Don’t overwater. A general rule is one inch, once a week, when needed.
   5. Always remember to obey any local watering restrictions. Check with your city or local water supplier for requirements in your area.
6. Air Quality Forecast. 
   http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/compliance/monitoring/air/monops/forecast_today.html
   • June 2: Orange–Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups–Ozone–Winds may be light enough and background levels high enough for ozone to reach “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” or possibly higher in the Houston area, with highest concentrations on the southeast and east side in the late morning and early afternoon and moving into the central, northern, and northwestern portions of the area later in the afternoon and into the early evening. Dry conditions could increase the chance for smoke from isolated wildfires across the state in the afternoon.
   • June 3: Orange–Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups–Ozone–Winds may be light enough and background levels high enough for ozone levels to reach “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” with highest concentrations on the north and northwest side of the Houston area. Dry conditions could increase the chance for smoke from isolated wildfires across the state in the afternoon.
   • June 3: Orange–Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups–Ozone–Winds may be light enough and background levels high enough for ozone levels to reach “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” or possibly higher with highest concentrations on the west and northwest side of the Houston area. Dry conditions could increase the chance for smoke from isolated wildfires across the state in the afternoon.On May 26 and June 1, TCEQ issued Air Pollution Warnings – Level Orange for unhealthy levels of ozone in the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria areas. During a Level Orange warning, active children and adults as well as people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exposure.