Water and Energy Summit 2010
& Pre Conference Expo

Keynotes

Monday:  Valerie Strassberg, Nature’s Voice, Our Choice
How Much Carbon Does Your Water Emit?

“Carbon” has become a catch phrase (and rightfully so) for environmentalists, economists, and decision makers.  Yet how familiar are we with carbon, carbon-markets, carbon taxes, and carbon sequestration? And why is carbon center stage when it is only one of life’s essential elements, along with hydrogen and oxygen? These are two issues that must be dealt with in concert, not in isolation. We will investigate the relationship between water and energy, and the resultant carbon emissions, while taking a close look at how the U.S. approach to water-energy management compares to that of the international movement. Because our power sector requires water, and our water sector requires energy, water and energy are inextricably linked.  At their cores, these are local issues.  Throughout this presentation, we will introduce management approaches that ensure water is not lost in the shadows of a rush to manage carbon alone.

Tuesday:  Brad Lancaster
Turning Drains into Sponges and Water Scarcity into Water Abundance

This inspiring power point presentation shares eight universal principles of water harvesting along with simple strategies that turn water scarcity into water abundance. They empower you to create integrated water-sustainable landscape plans at home and throughout your community. Rainwater harvesting is the process of capturing rain and making the most of it as close as possible to where it falls. Grey water harvesting is the process of directing water from household sink, bathtub, shower, and washing machine drains into the soils of the landscape where the water is naturally filtered and reused to generate more on-site resources. The two work hand in hand, and can reduce our water consumption by 30 to 50%! You'll see examples enhancing local food security, passively cooling cities in summer, reducing costs of living and energy consumption, controlling erosion, averting flooding, reviving dead waterways, minimizing water pollution, building community, creating celebration, and more.

Water Conservation Track

Irrigation professionals attending this conference earn 0.25 CEU per hour of attendance for the water conservation track with the exception of the Acequia Hydrology presentation, which qualifies for 1 CEU per hour of attendance.

New Water Source: Buckman Direct Diversion Project
Rick Carpenter, City of Santa Fe

The Buckman Direct Diversion (BDD) Project is a regional drinking water project that will supply up to 8,730 acre-feet of water per year (peak of up to 15 million gallons per day) to the City of Santa Fe and Santa Fe County.  The project will divert surface water from the Rio Grande, pump the raw water 11 miles with over 1,100 feet of vertical lift, to an advanced water treatment plant on the outskirts of Santa Fe. 

City of Santa Fe Water Division Water and Energy Initiatives
Dale Lyons, City of Santa Fe

In keeping with progress, the City water supply system has made in water conservation and sustainability, beginning in 2007 City water managers began examining the nexus of water and energy (the City’s water system is the highest municipal consumer of electric energy). In addition to planning significant energy efficiency improvements within the water system, the City began exploring the possibility of using renewable energy (hydroelectric and solar) as a means to offset the offset the utility’s high electrical operating costs. This presentation will describe the origin, potential benefit, technical challenges, and status of the utility’s three energy projects.  

New Mexico Commercial Water Audit Program
Amy Ewing, Daniel B. Stephens & Associates, Inc.

Daniel B. Stephens & Associates, Inc., the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer (OSE) Water Use and Conservation Bureau, and the City of Rio Rancho conducted a commercial water audit program in February 2009 as a part of a commercial food service water audit program that has been developed for utilization by all public water suppliers in New Mexico.  A commercial water audit training packet was also developed to be posted on the OSE web site as the culmination of the project. 

WaterSense: An EPA Partnership Program
Joanna Kind, Consultant to the Environmental Protection Agency

WaterSense, a voluntary partnership program sponsored by EPA, seeks to protect the future of our nation's water supply by offering people a simple way to use less water. WaterSense is both a label for products and a resource to help people use water more efficiently. The presentation will give a general overview of the program and describe labeled products currently available on the market, as well as products with specifications still being developed. The landscape water budget tool and single-family new homes program will be touched on. Come learn more about WaterSense.

Improving Your Bottom Line Through Water Efficiency for Business and Industry
H.W. Bill Hoffman, Water Management, Inc.

Energy is the lead topic when it comes to discussing reducing utility costs and promoting conservation, but water and wastewater costs are rising too. In fact, according to the US Department of Commerce statistics, water and wastewater rates have increased 1.45 times faster than electricity costs between 2001 and 2008. To say that water supplies are a concern statewide is an understatement in New Mexico.  At both the State and local levels, water conservation is being both emphasized and rewarded. This includes the institutional, commercial, and industrial (ICI) sectors.

According to the New Mexico Board of Water Engineers, in 2005, New Mexico consumed 3.95 million acre feet a year including municipal, industrial (manufacturing, power, and mining), agricultural uses and evaporative losses from reservoirs. When agricultural uses and evaporative losses are removed, residential, commercial, and industrial uses still add to 1.8 million acre feet a year and the majority of these uses are for the commercial and industrial sectors.

This presentation will provide:

• Examples of how commercial and industrial water users have reduced operating costs through water efficiency;
• Show how this has benefited their bottom line;
• Describe how water utilities can use ICI programs to enhance water conservation efforts; and
• Provide information on many innovative ways commercial and industrial users are finding to help finance these efforts.

The main target of the presentation is the manager of a commercial, institutional or industrial facility.

Acequia Hydrology
Steve Guldan, NMSU

Traditional irrigation systems in New Mexico, known as acequias, have been in use for centuries, and at least 800 operating acequias currently exist in the state. The term acequia refers to both the irrigation ditch or small canal and the community governmental entity that maintains, operates, and uses it. Beyond the obvious agricultural production function of the ditches and irrigated fields, valuable hydrologic, riparian, and agroecosystem functions may be provided by these irrigation systems. For example, research along a reach of the Rio Grande north of Espanola indicates that most of the water diverted into earthen irrigation ditches returned to the river -- 59% returned as surface return flow, and 33% returned as shallow groundwater return flow. Modeled simulations indicate that the surface water irrigation system and the shallow aquifer act together to store water underground and then release it to the river later in the year when river flows are typically low. Research is also investigating ditch and field seepage effects on groundwater quality and potential to establish cottonwood trees.

The View from Up River
Steve Vandiver, Rio Grande Water Conservation District

There are many constraints, restrictions, and institutional measures that control deliveries of water to the CO-NM state line.  The administration of the Rio Grande Compact dictates how much water is delivered annually to the NM state line and the overall shape of the hydrograph determines generally the amount of water that arrives there on a daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal basis thru out the year.  But despite that inherent obligation, numerous efforts are being taken in Colorado to manage, conserve, and sustain the surface, groundwater, and riparian resources associated along the Upper Rio Grande basin.  Restoration projects, riparian area and endangered species preservation, and groundwater management plans and are actively being pursued.  All of which will lead to an improved situation for all along the Rio Grande in Colorado and New Mexico.

Irrigation Efficiency Track

Irrigation professionals attending this conference earn 1 CEU per hour of attendance for the irrigation track.

Irrigation Efficiency or Effective Irrigation?
Brent Mecham, Irrigation Association

Efficient irrigation is not always effective irrigation.  This presentation will discuss how to measure irrigation efficiency. It will also explore the management decisions that influence the effectiveness of an irrigation system within an urban landscape.

What Smart Controllers Need to Be Smart
Brent Mecham, Irrigation Association

Smart controllers have been tested to prove they can perform very well to deliver the right amount of water, but they can’t do it all by themselves. Great irrigation systems and smart people are needed to get the right results.

Integrating Water Conservation with an Existing Irrigation System
Daniel Ransom, City of Santa Fe

Excessive water use and high maintenance costs are the result from inefficient irrigation designs and water management. Improving landscape water efficiency is a method of long-term water supply management. It's time to recognize irrigation inefficiencies and do something about it.

Hydrozoning: Group Plants by Design
Robert Wood, City of Santa Fe

Hydrozoning divides a landscape irrigation system according to different plant water requirements, plant height, and plant density. Correct hydrozoning starts with a good understanding of the relationship between irrigation systems, infiltration rates of the soil, slope, sun, soil type, plant materials, and irrigation product selection.

Rainwater Harvesting Track

Irrigation professionals attending this conference earn 1 CEU per hour of attendance for the water harvesting track.

Local Rainwater Harvesting Implementation: Commercial Application at the Santa Fe Railyard
Richard Jennings, Earthwrights Design

The Santa Fe Railyard Park is the result of over 15 years of work. The entire park is a micro watershed that models many elements of the Santa Fe Watershed. The North park is the upper watershed. It is built up with commercial structures and most of the ground surfaces are paved. The buildings are the metaphoric mountains that shed rain and snow. A mechanical filtration system cleans the water which runs into underground tributaries flowing to reservoirs like the ones above town.

Part of the story revolves around the iconic Railroad Tank in the center of the park. To use that 45,000 gallons of storage, we have to pump rainwater up into it. Then, when we need the water, other pumps inside of the tank can send it to either North or South storage tanks. The watershed story is also told beneath the tank where a model of our watershed is engraved in the concrete. An overhead micro sprinkler takes some of our captured precipitation and returns it as “rain” on our watershed model.

Across Paseo in the South Park, we find the irrigated areas. Most of the water that is harvested will be used in the South Park. A control panel is located in the North and the South Park. They communicate by radios to share information and control the system. At each of the three reservoirs there are pumps and valves to send water where it will be needed.

This presentation will show some of the mechanical infrastructure and tell how each serves the story and the functions at the park.

Walking tour of Santa Fe Railyard
Richard Jennings, Earthwrights Design

The tour will take you to some of the places on the site from the top to the bottom of the watershed that is the Santa Fe Railyard Park.

Local Rainwater Harvesting Implementation: Residential Applications
Nate Downey, Santa Fe Permaculture and Jeremiah Kidd, San Isidro Permaculture

Learn about a variety of rainwater harvesting methods designed and installed in the Santa Fe area over the last couple of decades from two of the leading active and passive rainwater catchment professionals in the Southwest. Nate Downey of Santa Fe Permaculture and Jeremiah Kidd of San Isidro Permaculture will share with you some of their approaches, lessons learned, and how systems have evolved over the years.

Innovations in Rainwater Harvesting
Randy Kauk, Rain Harvest Systems

Design Requirements for Permitting in the City of Santa Fe
Doug Pushard, HarvestH2o

Getting a permit to install a cistern is required in both the city and the county of Santa Fe. The city instituted a new Rainwater Harvesting Ordinance in October 2009 with specific steps to get a permit. This new process is meant to streamline an already complex process. The county requires cisterns in new homes over 2,500 square feet, but the process for approval is different than the city's. This presentation is meant to assist builders and contractors understand what is required for both the city and county for approval of a rainwater system.

Energy Track

The New Mexico Green Grid Initiative
Dr. Thomas Bowles

New Mexico started a Green Grid Initiative in August 2008 to be the first state to build out a statewide smart grid with at least 50% renewable energy. Transforming our aging electrical grid is an essential element of remaining competitive in the global economy as well as in addressing climate change. This Initiative takes an integrated approach that includes not only technology development, but also takes into account economic, policy, regulatory, environmental, and workforce issues. This effort has grown considerably in the last year and a half and now includes major participation from Japan, the business sector, and from utilities and communities around New Mexico. I will present the status and plans of the Green Grid Initiative, including a discussion on how this ties to water and environmental issues as well as economic development in New Mexico.

Los Alamos County Eco Station: A Bright Field Conversion of A Closed Landfill
Regina Wheeler, City of Santa Fe

Los Alamos County is converting its closing landfill to a bright field where a LEED certified transfer station and solar heated administration building are operating, 40 percent of incoming waste is recycled and utility scale renewable energy is generated.  This project convinced Los Alamos County Council to build all new facilities to LEED Silver standards and has become a regional show case of green building and solar technology.

Energy Rebates = Saving Dollars
Susie Marbury, New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department

Saving energy is just a good idea and can save you money every month in reduced utility bills.  Not only that – but New Mexico has opportunities for tax credits and rebates that give you additional cash for doing the right thing.  This presentation will outline the various incentive programs in the state and answer your questions about how to reap the benefits. The programs include Solar Tax Credits, Sustainable Building Tax Credits and ENERGY STAR homes, and ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebates.

Passive Solar Design
Mark Chalom, Solar Design and Analysis and Scott Irving, Planet Forward

The Basics of Solar Hot Water and Electricity: Getting the Most of Your Renewable Energy
Larry Mapes, Valverde Energy and Claudia Pavel, Positive Energy

Solar hot water and solar electric systems are a high-value addition to homes or businesses. Learn about the different types of solar systems available. Determine what is likely to be your best investment in an active solar system. We will discuss how to choose the right equipment and what to look for in a professional installer. Homeowners, commercial property owners, architects, and builders are encouraged to attend.

The View from the Roof: Current Issues Affecting Solar Electricity and Solar Thermal Installations
Larry Mapes, Valverde Energy and Claudia Pavel, Positive Energy

This presentation provides an overview and discussion of the issues affecting the successful transition to renewable energy in Santa Fe County. Topics will include building and electric codes; permitting; installer qualifications; and promoting energy literacy and other sustainable practices for businesses, consumers, and government agencies. We'll look at actual and anticipated problems with an eye toward solutions.

City of Santa Fe: Stimulus Spending for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Nick Schiavo and Cary Weiner, City of Santa Fe

The City of Santa Fe has moved forward on a number of energy efficiency projects using federal stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Our presentation will describe our activity to date, give a glimpse into future spending of stimulus funds, and touch upon our efforts to utilize solar PV for City facilities.

Understanding Home Energy Audits: Saving Money, Saving Energy, Saving Your Life!
Amanda Evans, Santa Fe Community College

Amanda will talk about the two national certifications for home energy
auditors – HERS and BPI Building Analyst. She will discuss how an
energy auditor evaluates homes and the steps that an auditor will go
through in a house during an audit. She will explain how energy saving
measures are prioritized; what works and what doesn’t work. Finally
she will discuss the real health and safety issues that can arise as
we make our homes more energy efficient and how a trained auditor will
test the house before and after any work is done to make sure that the
homeowner is safe in it.

Amanda will also discuss upcoming federal programs such as REEP and
HomeStar and how they will benefit homeowners wanting to make energy
efficiency improvements to their homes.

Creating Climate and Energy Policy That Works for All of Us
John Fogarty, New Energy Economy

Although the first Congressional Hearings on climate change were held more than thirty years ago, Congress has failed to enact any substantive policy to reduce global warming emissions.  At the same time, the scientific community is increasingly clear that we must quickly and dramatically reduce emissions this decade or risk triggering dangerous feedback loops that will fuel  “runaway global warming.”  This talk will review the current status of state and federal climate policy and discuss the implications for bold initiatives at the municipal level.

Panel Discussions

Green Building Code: Water
City of Santa Fe, Katherine Mortimer
Santa Fe County, Laurie Trevizo
Albuquerque, Katherine Yuhas
National, Doug Pushard

Green Building Code: Energy
City of Santa Fe, Katherine Mortimer
Build Green New Mexico, Susie Marbury
Santa Fe Area Home Builders Association, Kim Shanahan