So, this week's title might be a little graphic for some of you, but I thought it rather appropriate considering all the water conservation tips around everywhere. That little saying makes conserving water by flushing your toilet less a bit more memorable, don't you think?
We have already undergone many water restrictions, but there are more being considered. This AJC article states that most water bans or restrictions have really never worked to limit water use in the home. In fact, domestic water use is the last thing to go during a drought period. Much to my surprise, the types of water restrictions that we are considering haven't even been considered in places in the country where it rains much less than it rains here.
Arid areas of the U.S. have learned how to conserve water and create reservoirs for particularly dry times. We don't usually have rainfall problems here, so this part of the country hasn't considered these types of things. Normally, that would be alright, but since we don't have these precautions in place, serious drought times are much more likely to elevate and become more of a problem more quickly.
Another important issue that had not even occurred to me before is how much our drought is also affecting other areas that rely on our lakes and reservoirs to provide them with water as well. Alabama and Florida are concerned about our drought situation, too. We need to conserve our water by not sending as much downstream to Florida, but sending less water down there is detrimental to Florida's water. I'm from the panhandle area, so this really matters to me. I have family that live down there still, and I have been to Apalachicola many times (sited in the previously linked article). I never thought during all my time down there that a drought situation up here in Georgia would have a negative affect on Florida's water quality, endangered species and shellfish.
We need to remember that we are not only fending for our own water supply but protecting a water supply that is counted on by citizens in other states.
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3 comments:
The Georgia/Alabama/Florida Water Wars are extremely interesting. I chaperoned a trip (for Dr. Leara Rhodes) to Eufaula, Alabama earlier this semester. Her class spoke to several key players in the water wars. It may be interesting to gain their perspective for one of your upcoming articles.
On the topic of water quality, I thought of you yesterday when I was talking to a lady on the phone who started talking about the water issue here. Her opinion is that Georgia's water should be filtered instead of treated.
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