Irrigating with recycled water saves pure water for drinking reserves.

The TAKO POKE Project used sections of Keokea Gulch to demonstrate how riparian protection improves the quality of water entering wetlands, reefs and the ocean.

Fences were erected along a portion of Keokea Gulch, excluding cattle in an effort to prevent overgrazing and further damage to the gulch banks. Then vegetative barriers were planted within the fenced area, creating a living barrier to prevent sediment from entering the gulch, and eventually coastal waters. Vegetative barriers were watered with R1 (recycled) water. In addition, well-established vegetation acts as a wildfire deterrent in an area that is normally suseptible to fires.

Fenced areas protect new vegetation from grazing.