The Nine Steps

(Originally posted on waterefficiency.net)

By Elizabeth Cutright
Editor
Water Efficiency

On October 22, 2008, Washington-based American Rivers released its report on the Southeast’s water crisis. Entitled “Hidden Reservoir: Why Water Efficiency Is the Best Solution for the Southeast.” The report essentially states that improvements in water efficiency—demand reduction, pipe and pump rehabilitation, low-flow fixtures, and smart irrigation—will result in a bigger return on investment than large-scale infrastructure projects.
Overall, there are nine essential water conservation tactics outlined in the report:
*Stop leaks from aging and broken water pipes.
*Raise the price of water.
*Meter all water users.
*Retrofit buildings with water-efficient toilets, faucets, and appliances.
*Install drought-resistant landscapes, require meters for sprinkler systems, and charge more for irrigation water.
*Educate the public about ways to save water.
*Design new buildings that can capture rainwater to water landscaping, and recycle shower and sink water in the toilet.
*Determine how much water can be safely withdrawn from rivers and lakes, and don’t take more.
*Involve water users in water-policy decisions.
(nine steps summary courtesy of ajc.com)
In fact, American Rivers’ report calls the plan to build dams throughout the southeast—like the controversial Flint River project south of Atlanta—expensive as well as destructive. Ultimately, it’s the hit to the region’s pocketbook that might be the most persuasive. According to statistics provided by Hordan, Jones & Goulding, water conservation efforts would cost no more than $250 for every 1,000 gallons of water saved. The dam? That price tag would be significantly higher: an eye-popping $4,000 for every 1,000 gallons of water saved.
Dams are a popular “go-to” solution when the going gets tough, and a community finds itself at the losing end of a dried-up water source. In Georgia, for example, the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning district has its heart set on four new dams in four different counties. Then again, with credit markets drying up as fast as a Georgia river bed (sorry – I couldn’t help myself!), the great “dam plan” might be stuck in a holding pattern, at least for the time being.
And that may provide a much needed cooling-off period. The “nine steps towards reducing water consumption and protecting water resources” delineated in the American Rivers’ report shouldn’t be taken as suggestions, but, instead, treated as mandates—not just for the Southeast, but for the entire country. Now is not the time for extravagance of thought or action. We’re going to have to tighten our belts and protect all of our dwindling resources because—as we are all now painfully learning—treating your assets (be they money, fuel, or water) with wild abandon does not build a foundation for a better future, but actually erodes any progress made and puts us all in jeopardy. So what do you say, are you ready to make the “nine steps” your mantra?