Water conservation

[MoneyGuy]

I write newspaper columns and am working on a project related to water conservation. I'd be interested in comments from the folks here on these topics:

-Do you believe in recycling in general (water specifically) and how do you practise it at home?
-How do you see the importance of conserving, etc. - basically, the 3Rs?
-Any thoughts you have on this issue? My topic is water conservation so, if possible, please focus your comments on this topics.

I know that much of Calgary has no meters so water conservation is less important to the average Calgarian, but that's not relevant to my topic.

Thanks.

[SeeGeeWhy]

Critical - we live in an area with a very low water table and I've often wondered what the maximum sustainable population of Southern Alberta is. Calgary has a huge impact on this.

It should absolutely be a focus of both municipal and provincial governments.

My entire job right now is dealing with water regulations and finding source water for an industrial use (SAGD production). This is an an apparently "water abundant" area, with a resource that has been known for generations - yet the government is only forming serious frameworks about its use and allocation now.

Alberta is way behind the curve in regulation and promotion of water recycling and conservation measures in my opinion.

[HotHotHeat]

Water conservation, and water sustainability going into the future, are going to become the most forefront issues facing a lot of regions in the world. North Americans use something like 4 times the amount of water per day as Europeans...Really pathetic how much water we waste. I'm not sure how you can't believe in recycling in this world.

Governments at every level have failed entirely on making water an important issue. We take our resources for granted.

Those are scattered thoughts, I'm sure.

[Gozer]

I leave my taps running to keep my mansion hydrated.

Pansies.

[Rathji]

I read an article in Popular Mechanics in Sept 2007 about water conservation that really opened my eyes. Ever since then I have made efforts to decrease my 'water footprint' as you might call it. Even something as simple as a low flow toilet and turning off the water when you brush your teeth can save a ton of water.

That said, I love long showers especially when it is cold out.

The whole concept of grey water reuse is something that really interests me though. Using a simple storage and filtration system to reuse 'mostly clean water' and or rain water for stuff such as toilet and plant watering is something I would love to implement, if it ever became financially viable.

[MoneyGuy]

I've heard that wars may be fought over water in the future. Anyone have views on this? James, I'll get to your PM later.

[JohnnyFlame]

I don't flush when I pee--Only when I go number two!!!!!!!!!!

[SeeGeeWhy]

Originally Posted by MoneyGuy

I've heard that wars may be fought over water in the future. Anyone have views on this? James, I'll get to your PM later.

Jared Diamond discusses that a bit in his book collapse.

[habernac]

there's already been discussions over water in Southern Alberta, with Montana claiming some rights I think. This is something that will get worse before it gets better.

I do little things to conserve water. I rarely water the lawn (I wouldn't have one if I could get my wife on board). I make sure the dishwasher is full before running it. We have a rain barrell so I can water plants/trees in the yard. And being nearly bald, my showers do not take very long.

[HotHotHeat]

There was something going on with municipal government in Calgary and water use for the future the last couple days - they denied water privatization being an issue on the table, but privatizing water is very real and very scary. A few far left thinkers I've read through argue privatizing water would be the end of capitalism as we know it. Latin America has had a few cases documented with privatized water distribution systems - all ended in revolt and riots. It's a stretch to say that would be the case here, but who's to know.

[ken0042]

I would say I don't go out of my way to conserve water. Granted all of my toilets are 6L ones- mainly due to laws. And my shower heads are towards the low flow end; once again because they are newer.

I will be getting a front load washer soon; but mainly for the energy savings and how they are better on clothes.

I do own a water barrel and might buy a 2nd one, but of course that is only used to water the bedding plants as there isn't enough pressure for lawns.

I guess for me there really hasn't been a great incentive shown to conserve water. What water I waste goes back into the Bow, and the cost difference isn't huge. Meaning my water bill is around $20 per month. So if I really work at it and save 33% I save $7 per month. Whereas my electricity bill is around $100 per month, so a 33% savings is more noticable.

[DuffMan]

I just picked up 4 of those blue barrels that I am going to start harvesting rain water in. I have undergound sprinklers, but I feel too guilty to use them.
Also, I pee outside whenever I can.

[Titan]

Originally Posted by DuffMan

I just picked up 4 of those blue barrels that I am going to start harvesting rain water in. I have undergound sprinklers, but I feel too guilty to use them.
Also, I pee outside whenever I can.

Bah! UG sprinklers are way better. You set them for the optimal time, duration, they start at 3 am so the water gets to the roots and leave them. Never overwatered or underwatered. I think they are the responsible way to go if you have grass, which is a different debate.

[mykalberta]

I do the basic stuff only. Dont use dishwasher or washing machine unless its a full load and have low flow toilets and shower heads - although I HATE them.

Nothing to do with conservation but I get up earlier than most in my condo. I purposefully use that time to turn on my dishwasher

[habernac]

Originally Posted by mykalberta

I do the basic stuff only. Dont use dishwasher or washing machine unless its a full load and have low flow toilets and shower heads - although I HATE them.

Nothing to do with conservation but I get up earlier than most in my condo. I purposefully use that time to turn on my dishwasher

I love that our's has a timer so I can have it go in the middle of the night.

[Titan]

A question I have had on this topic is can you actually waste water? It is either turned to steam and enters the atmosphere or goes down the drain. If it is grey it goes into the bow and nature cleans it, if it is black then it goes to the treatment plant. I understand that energy can be wasted to heat, transport (so to speak) and treat water but is the water ever actually wasted?

Obviously, if chemicals are introduced it can affect downstream users and need to be cleaned, another energy hit, but the water itself is still viable, no?

Am I way off and missing something?

[JohnnyFlame]

I also pour unfinished drinks into the dogs water bowl. Though when we lived in Africa we would cook with it, then put it in the bathtub. All of us would take a bath. Then put it in the toilet to flush that. Now that was conservation to the max!!!!!!!!!

[edn88]

Unfortunately I think that the best way to get people to conserve is to get them to pay for use.

I know for myself, my water bill suddenly spiked and it was because the plumber had made a change to one of our toilets trying to solve a problem we were having effect was our water bill was almost triple. Needless to say, I sorted out the problem right way. Likewise, my lawn watering is certainly impacted by the cost of water.

[Suave]

Originally Posted by JohnnyFlame

I don't flush when I pee--Only when I go number two!!!!!!!!!!

If it's yellow let it mellow, if it's brown flush it down, if green check your spleen.

[mykalberta]

Originally Posted by habernac

I love that our's has a timer so I can have it go in the middle of the night.

I think mine has a timer, but that would defeat the purpose of shafting the other owners of the condo out of hot water.