A Perspective on Water

Everyone is being affected by a water shortage. According to the latest reports two thirds of the lower 48 states are experiencing drought conditions.

 While the Pacific Northwest has been untouched to date by drought conditions the impact on food prices from crop failure will be felt nation wide and affect US exports.

The role of conservation
Over time a switch to more efficient appliances and a growing public awareness has resulted in greater conservation of water. Since 1985 even as the state population has increased, the rate of consumption has remained relatively flat according to the US Geological Survey.

Increased costs are inevitable
The cost of providing water supplies has increased over the same time period. A drop in consumption means less revenue to the utilities providing the water and water service. As rates are increased people find new ways to conserve in an effort to live within their budgets. As consumption continues to drop rates continue to go up.

A global perspective
There is a temptation to complain about being "punished" by higher prices for adopting conservation methods. Before we raise our voices in dissent it would be helpful to look at some comparative data.

Three Degrees of Thirst is a graphic illustration instructive in showing us just how limited potable water is and how fortunate we are here in the Pacific Northwest. Nationally we have a long way to go to increase conservation to sustainable levels. Globally we have a long way to go to reduce the disparity between those populations who have access to water and those who have none.

At the bottom of the graphic illustration is a listing of organizations that are working on behalf of water conservation and water equality. Here in Washington you can also find information from the "Saving Water Partnership" including rebates for certain types of sprinkler systems and low flow toilets and landscaping tips for creating beautiful landscapes that minimize the need for watering.

In view of the information provided in Three Degree of Thirst, using potable water to flush toilets and water lawns seems extreme. There are options for using gray water to flush toilets and water non-food producing landscapes. Some information is available in the Washington State Grey Water Code available online and first enacted in July 2011.

There is also a growing number of vendors willing to build rain gardens, rain water cistern systems and water friendly landscaping. Gaia's Garden Second Edition by Toby Hemenway also covers the basics of using grey and rain water.