Rear Adm. Patrick Lorge, commander, Navy Region Southwest, shared his region's energy efficiency and water sustainability challenges during the Association of Defense Communities's (ADC) Installation Innovation Forum 2015 in Monterey California, March 16.

Installation Innovation Forum 2015, a national installation-focused professional development event, explored cutting-edge developments that are reshaping how installations are managed and the way communities and installations work together.

"I need secure water supplies to ensure my mission sets are protected," Lorge said during the Forum's "Water Resource Security at Installations" presentation. "We must continue to reduce water and energy consumption."

One of the most pressing environmental issues for Lorge, and other defense communities in the western United States, is securing a reliable source of drinking water that can meet the needs of installations and their host communities. A supervisor from a county where the Navy's largest installation is located echoed Lorge's need for a sustainable water supply.

"How do we ensure adequate water for supply for everyone, especially Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake? The county is preparing ways to rezone and rebound. Water vulnerability is another type of encroachment," said Mick Gleason, Kern County Supervisor.

Encompassing 1.1 million acres, NAWS China Lake fills a critical role in the nation's defense, and Kern County's economy.

"China Lake is of strategic importance to this country. It is a one-of-a-kind place with capabilities that cannot be duplicated elsewhere. We're working together with Kern County and its advocates to protect this jewel in the desert. There is strength when we partner with our host communities," Lorge added.

Another panel member noted renewable energy and water conservation challenges are being addressed by the entire Department of Defense.

"We're working to identify water rights and availability. Most water needs are based on past usage. We must quantify how much water we need to execute our missions while continuing to be a sustainable member in our communities. Navy Region Southwest has a great reputation for bringing down its water use," said Rebecca Patton, Project Management Professional, Climate Change Adaptation Integration, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations and Environment.

As energy costs continue to eat away at installation budgets, the importance of sustainable water supplies and renewable energy for the armed services will increase, along with a culture of conservation and community partnerships.

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Southwest, visit www.navy.mil/.