Somehow it seems worse when the national news is talking about it. Of course I already knew that Georgia was in the middle of the worst drought in 100 years, and I knew that without rain, Atlanta could be out of water in three months. But talking about Lake Lanier being dry in 90 days just sounds even scarier somehow.
But then, just the thought of needing to conserve water terrifies me--if it were possible to be a wateraholic, I would be one. I drink, on average, at least 63 ounces of water a day, and usually closer to 80 ounces--around two to three times the recommended amount. I can't imagine getting by on a mere 8 ounces a day. But there are some things even I can do to conserve water, even though I find it hard to drink less. Here are some ideas:
* Take showers instead of baths. Take fewer showers, and keep them short--no more than five minutes.
* Turn the water off while you're brushing your teeth or shaving.
* Don't water your plants, or if you need to water your vegetables, use gray water.
* When it does rain, collect rainwater--even just a bucket could help--and reuse that water for cleaning, watering plants or even washing dishes.
* Put a bucket in your shower and use the water you collect for watering plants or cleaning the tub.
* Fix any leaks or dripping faucets!
* Never leave water running while washing dishes, cleaning the tub, etc. (I hate to admit it, but I have been guilty of this one...)
* Don't flush the toilet unless you have to. You know the saying your grandmother taught you: If it's yellow, let it mellow... And don't flush that dead spider down the toilet. Just put it in the trash.
* Replace your showerhead with an ultra-low flow showerhead. They're less than $10 at Home Depot.
* Don't use running water to thaw frozen meat--thaw it overnight in the fridge.
* Stop using your garbage disposal; start a compost pile instead.
* Check your toilet for leaks: put food coloring in the tank. If the coloring gets into the bowl, then the toilet is leaking.
* Only run the dishwasher for a full load.
* Only run the washing machine with a full load, and set the water for the lowest setting.
* Get a low-flush toilet--or better yet, a composting toilet.
* And a really clever trick I found here: Put a plastic jug full of sand or stone in your toilet tank. The tank will fill quicker and use less water.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
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3 comments:
Yeah, I go mountain biking at a place just off of Lake Allatoona. It's just depressing...
The main thing that really sucks for me right now is that my car hasn't been washed in months...probably closer to a year. It really needs a wash, and I could go to a car wash and wash it, but I just can't do so in good conscience. So, I guess it's gonna stay dirty.
Also, I came across a neat shower-taking strategy recently: rather than leaving the shower running the whole time you're in there, start the shower, get in and get wet. Turn off the shower, lather up, and only turn it back on again to rinse off. It make sense; you really don't need the shower running the whole time.
As far as the turning off the water when brushing/shaving/etc., I remember that being drilled into our heads in elementary school.
Oh, yeah, and I read somewhere that many restaurants are being asked not to serve water unless the customer asks for it.
Oh, and I don't recall my grandparents ever saying "if it's yellow, let it mellow." I don't think I'd be able to get away with that piece of advice, anyway.
Speaking of toilets, here's a good idea: How to Hack a Toilet for Free Water. I would really like to do this.
Finally, what is "gray water"?
Sorry! Gray water is water that's been used but isn't really that dirty: basically anything used in the house except for toilet water. Dishwashing water, shower water, sink water, and laundry water can all often be used for plants--if you use biodegradable soap. You could definitely use graywater to wash your car. You can read all about it here: http://www.graywater.net/.
Ha, you never heard the toilet rhyme? "If it's yellow, let it mellow; if it's brown, flush it down."
Love the link! We have often talked about getting a toilet with a sink on the top of it (you can buy those), but this is even better 'cause it's Do It Yourself...
The first Brac Greywater Recycling System in the city of Atlanta has been permitted, installed and is in operation. It was supplied by Southern Energy Solutions of Marietta, Georgia. www.soenso.com
The Brac System takes in greywater (bath/shower/laundry water), filters and treats it, and reuses it on demand for toilet flushing. Reusing greywater for toilet flushing can save the homeowner 30% or more on potable water usage.
All wastewater from the kitchen (dishwasher/disposal/kitchen sink) is considered blackwater because of food particles, grease, etc. Kitchen wastewater is sent to the sewer drain and not recycled.
More info:
www.enn.com/ecosystems/article/23971
Contact:
Southern Energy Solutions, Marietta, Georgia, United States
www.soenso.com
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