Why Water Conservation?
By Susan Ecker Rumsey Engineers Inc. More and more frequently people ask me the question, “Why water conservation?” Some frame the question this way: “I don’t pay for the water I use directly so whether I use more or less water, I pay the same amount; so why should I conserve?” What follows is my answer to this question. Without water conservation the United States may not be able to meet its future water demands. Reducing water use, waste and loss can provide many benefits. Water conservation can • reduce production costs • save water resources for future generations • protect water quality and the environment • expand the life of existing supplies These reasons for conservation could be explored, but a discussion of drought provides a better illustration of the water situation. Many parts of the United States are experiencing varying degrees of drought. If you don’t live in a part of the country or the world that is experiencing a drought, it may be difficult to understand the import
Historically, water supply in Southern California has consisted of a combination of local supplies and “imported” water from other areas; most notably the Colorado River and the State Water Project. Efforts to find new supplies have become more prevalent and resulted in a number of innovations. However, these new supplies have come with a hefty price tag and all indications are that the marginal cost of new water will continue to climb. But one of the most cost effective sources of additional water is also one to which all citizens can contribute. Today, Water Conservation is regarded as an actual supply of water. Water supply for the City is a mixture of groundwater, provided by wells located throughout the City, and “imported” water, provided by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). Imported water is a mixture of Colorado River and State Water Project deliveries from Northern and Central California. The Colorado River basin watershed has experienced drought co
Between 1950 and 2000, the US population nearly doubled, but the demand for water more than tripled. The average American is now using an average of 100 gallons of water each day – enough to fill 1,600 drinking glasses. This high water demand has been steadily diminishing our local water supplies and distribution systems, threatening both the environment and human health. A recent government study even showed that 36 states anticipate water shortages by 2013. Here at Foremost, we want to do our part and help protect our environment and preserve our water supplies for future generations. This is why we have introduced our all new water-conserving toilets.
