California Water Part 4: Conservation
Our fourth and final part in our California Water series is conservation. We all need to do our part to conserve water. It isn't just one sector of industry, one town, one region of California that needs to cut their water usage. It's the whole state because we are in this together! And it will take the whole state cutting back to make a difference. Agriculture can't do this alone, urban can't do this alone. We all need to cut back. But how?
First, lets look at how much water is used in an average house?
Brush your teeth? - 2 to 5 gallons
Wash the car? - 50 gallons
Use the dishwasher? - 8 to 15 gallons
Flush the toilet? - 1.5 to 4 gallons (each flush)
Take a shower or bath? - 17 to 24 gallons
Run the washing machine? - 35 to 50 gallons (each load)
Watering the lawn? - 180 gallons
That's a lot of water. Think about how often you do these things, your spouse, your children? If you add this usage up, we use a lot of water in a single day. So, how are we being cut back? Well, every town is different in California. Depending on where you live, the amount you are being asked to cut back is different.
Where I live in Kern County, there are new rules effective May 15th. In most cases, you will be asked to cut your water use by at least 25% and possibly up to 35%. In my town of Wasco, our water usage is being cut by 35%. If your water provider does not show a reduction in water use by 25% goal, they will be fined. If they are fined, you bet that will trickle down to you being fined! This will result in stricter enforcement. You could be fined for wasting water, such as over-watering a lawn resulting in water running into the street.
Now, what are some practices you can do to help:
Only run full loads of laundry
Wash dishes in the dishwasher in the most water efficient cycle
Use remaining water glasses to water your plants
Take 5 minute showers or less
Don't run the water faucet while shaving, brushing your teeth or washing your face
Hope these facts and helpful hints make it easier for all of you to conserve!
California Water: Introduction to Series
California Water Part 1: How we got here
California Water Part 2: Agriculture Production
California Water Part 3: Almond and Water
Until Next Time,
Almond Girl Jenny