Saving Water, Drop By Drop

It may seem incongruous to discuss water conservation in Pacifica, where we are surrounded by lush vegetation, cool climate, high humidity and a huge expanse of ocean next to us. But the fact of the matter is, California has a natural history rife with drought conditions.

I remember growing up during the 70's drought cycle, my mother reminding me to conserve water with the slogan, "If it's yellow, keep it mellow; if it's brown, flush it down!"

Too bad those old toilets used between 4-8 gallons of water to drain the average bowl.

Yet, the 70's drought was a "drop in the bucket" compared to today's drought conditions. With a far greater population (17 million larger than that of 1970 according to the U.S. Census), we place a higher demand on the limited water resources we have in drought years.  Some communities, such as Orange County, have taken extreme measures to ensure a stable water supply and many investors, speculating on the rising value of water, have begun to put their money in to water resources.

Pacifica's water, supplied by North Coast County Water District, is delivered to us via a vast network of aquaducts, originating in the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. The Reservoir is, in turn, fed by the annual runoff from melting snow in the Sierra Nevada's.  Truly, Pacifica is one strand woven into the basket that is our landscape, a vital component of a vast environment. Understanding that each glass of water from our faucet has its origins in a snowstorm gives us the proper perspective to conserve this precious commodity.

Water scarcity will be one of California's greatest challenges in the future as our population grows and our climate changes. In response, my next 3 articles will focus on sustainable practices for residential water use, starting with the following simple conservation measures:

• Can your old can – Toilets manufactured prior to 1982 consume, on average, more than 3.5 gallons of water per flush. Current toilets are mandated to use only 1.2 gallons per flush. By replacing your toilet, you can substantially reduce your water consumption and bill. 
• Is your washer wasted? – Easily the second largest water consumer in the average Pacifica home is the washing machine. Newer models use approximately 40% less water than older clothes washers.
• Use less – Time your showers, turn off the faucets when you brush your teeth, use car washes, and sweep your sidewalks rather than hose them down. And of course, "If it's yellow…"
• Rethink your landscape – Consider growing native plants in your garden and yard. Plant species that evolved to grow in our environment have adapted to life in this climate and can thrive without the need for excessive watering. In addition to using less water, native planted gardens reduce your carbon footprint. By planting native, you are offering an opportunity to nature to reestablish itself after the damage inflicted by human development.
• Low-flow is the way to go – Installing aerators on your sink faucets reduces the amount of water used without sacrificing water pressures. Low-flow showerheads offer similar results and are now available in many styles.
• Dump that old dishwasher – All in all, get rid of your old outdated water consuming appliances. Newer dishwashers use less water in addition to energy. Oh, and if you are hand washing your dishes, you're using roughly 7 times more water than a dishwasher does.

If you thirst for more tips on water conservation, the California Urban Water Conservation Council (CUWCC) in conjunction with the E.P.A. has developed an online resource called H₂OUSE.

Considering the human body is composed of more than 90% water, conservation couldn't be more vital to our future.