Water usage concerns during dry weather

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - With the drought we've been having, lasting now for one month, Climatologist Dr. Dev Niyogi at Purdue says this is the perfect time to look into water supplies around the area.

"Anytime we are in a drought situation like most of our state is in right now, it is a good idea to start looking into the water supplies that we have," Dr. Niyogi said. "We have to be cautious in conserving our resources that we have and water is the fantastic commodity that drives the whole economic engine."

One business whose engine is running a little harder than normal because of the drought is Purdy Sod.

Sod farm manager Kevin Rheude said the cost of maintaining their product is increasing due to extra water use.

"We have diesel fuel that we have to pay for to run a booster pump and we also run a well that requires electricity," Rheude said. "So we are using about 600 to 700 gallons of diesel fuel a month minimum. Those costs really start to add up."

Purdue Grounds Director Gary Evans said the cost of extra labor needed to keep plants healthy now is cheaper than replanting after the drought passes. Dr. Niyogi reminds people when watering plants or grass that there are important times to do so.

"It's recommended to water plants before sunrise or after sunset where evaporated water loss is minimum and it's easier to see if you need to water plants rather than just doing it as a regular habit," Dr. Niyogi said.

Dr. Niyogi said the biggest issue right now is sustaining plant life, but if the drought continues for several more months, water supply may be affected.