Paulette Brown-HindsI am not a water hog, but I admit I’m careless when it comes to water usage. The utility bills reviewer of our household constantly reminds me that I shouldn’t allow the water to run so long while I brush my teeth. I shouldn’t keep the shower water running as I wait for the perfect bathing temperature…which in my case is hot, very hot. And I should plug-up the sinks on the very few occasions when I wash the dishes instead of allowing a steady stream to run over them and down the drain. In my household the utility bills reviewer is also the Zen-master of dishwashing.
Last year was the driest calendar year in the over 119 years of California rainfall records. And recent conversations and news about California’s current drought conditions have made me consider my own careless behavior and how I must do a better job at conservation of probably our most important natural resource. So when Governor Brown declared a drought emergency and asked all of us Golden State citizens to reduce our water usage by 20%, I had to ask myself if I was really prepared to change my behavior. I know I have to be more careful when it comes to my water wastefulness and stop complaining to my friends when there is any hint of clouds or threat of rain…”It’s much needed,” they remind me. And I have to heed the Zen-master’s advice…or at least pretend I’m listening.
I’ve always been fascinated by the story of the water wars in Southern California – particularly the story of the Los Angeles Aqueduct (which, by the way celebrated its centennial last November) and the stealing of the Owens Valley water rights. Yes, at the time of its completion the aqueduct was the longest and the largest single water project in the world. It was responsible for the explosive growth of the City of Angels, however it completely decimated and destroyed a growing community of farmers, ranchers, and other residents in the process. That story always reminds me of just how important water is to growing and sustaining a community.
Last week I met with Victor Griego one of the founders of a water education conference for elected leaders that is held annually in California. The conference offers participants basic information on water policy, with sessions on California water history, infrastructure and finance. This week there is news that President Obama will be visiting Fresno during a trip to Southern California to better educate himself on our drought-ravaged farming communities. He is expected to discuss the federal government’s role in helping us deal with the growing crisis.
Meeting with Victor helped me realize that we all need to be educated about water…where our water comes from, what public infrastructure is needed to maintain a clean and safe supply, and how we can all do our small part through conservation and being less careless with our daily usage. My education will start with Victor’s WELL Conference next month. We’ll have a chance to visit our Delta, the series of rivers, canals, and irrigation system that is responsible for delivering billions of gallons of water from the water rich north to millions of acres of farmland in the Central Valley and tens of millions of homes in southern California.
For conservation tips and more information on what you need to know and do to be more water-wise, I encourage you to visit the Western Municipal Water District’s website at wmwd.com.