We have water from Lake Michigan, but we still have responsibility

HOLLAND — The Holland Board of Public Works Water Treatment Plant has provided Holland with clean drinking water for decades. The plant draws water from Lake Michigan and treats it to supply its customers, but the plant can only handle so much demand.

Superintendent Nate Johnson stressed that the plant is the perfect size to serve the community of Holland, but excessive water use can be costly for both the plant and its customers.

“It’s easy to think that because we’re so close to a major water source, we don’t need to worry about water conservation. But the fact that we’re so close to Lake Michigan should make our customers even more aware,” Johnson said.

“With just a little help, you can make a big difference by changing your everyday choices to save water.”

According to Johnson, the biggest water impact is lawn irrigation. The problem is that it can be inefficient.

“We’re not here to tell people to stop using sprinklers,” Johnson said. “But there are more efficient ways to water your lawn.”

This includes setting up a smart system that senses when a pipe bursts, takes rainfall into account, or detects leaks. Paying attention to the time of day you water your lawn can also improve efficiency. Watering your lawn early in the morning or late in the afternoon will reduce evaporation.

The plant itself has replaced parts of its lawn with native plants, significantly reducing water consumption for grounds maintenance.

Holland BPW engineers have designed the water treatment process to be as efficient as possible. Johnson explained that they continually monitor the processes and serve customers with integrity.

But if you make the effort yourself, you can save more water and help the community and the facility.

“It’s all about using water wisely,” Johnson said.

— Oliver A. Harmsen is a communications intern at the Holland Board of Public Works.

About this series:MiSustainable Holland is a collection of community voices sharing news about local sustainability initiatives.This week’s Sustainability Framework theme: Environmental awareness/action: Environmental education and integrating environmental practices into our planning will change negative consequences of the past and improve our future.

This article originally appeared in the Holland Sentinel: Holland Water Treatment Plant focuses on water efficiency