Would you conserve water now even before a drought emergency is declared?

04-12-2004, 12:03 AM

Water levels in the Western States is going down, and it is not very good. I was out to Midway and Provo Canyon last week and saw the Deer Creek Reservoir being a lot lower than it should be. And today, I was out at Emigration Canyon. Water there were also much lower than normal level. Much of the snow on the Wasatch and Quirrah Mountains surrounding Salt Lake City has nearly all melt away after a record March warmth.

The government is urging us to try to start conserving water even though there is no emergency declared. Would you cooperate with that suggestion and hope that it makes a difference, or ignore the suggestion and hog all the water use?

Quote:

Background info:
Stringent Water Restrictions Expected
Mar. 24, 2004
John Daley Reporting

People along the Wasatch Front may face more stringent water restrictions this summer because of the meager runoff and low reservoir levels.

The people who manage our water are already urging conservation, and using less water on our lawns. Even though we had a couple of big storms last winter, the unseasonably warm March weather is eroding mountain snowpack.

Think of mountain snowpack like a water bank account – the more of it that ends up in reservoirs, the better. But our water savings for the winter of 2004, once looking solid, are melting away.

Consider these numbers. Two weeks ago snowpack in the Provo River, Utah Lake, and Jordan River drainage was 104% of normal. After two record warm weeks, that figure is now 78%--and dropping.

The big concern is Utah Lake, a key element in Salt Lake Valley's water system. It's nearing low levels last seen in 1992. That year the city could no longer pump water from Utah Lake. It had to release drinking water into irrigation ditches to meet old water exchange obligations.

LeRoy Hooton, Director, Salt Lake Dept. of Public Utilities: "At that time we asked our customers to cut back on their municipal use to meet those exchange agreements."

Last summer, thanks to water wise-conservation, Salt Lakers used 17% less water than the previous year. Without the same this year, by summer's end the city could be forced to upgrade its drought status to severe, which could include a limit on the number of days one can water.

Meantime, many water suppliers are changing water rates to encourage saving. Some are considering restrictions or even fines for those violating water rules. And virtually every water agency is calling for conservation.

Jordan Valley built a demonstration garden with half a dozen landscape options, each uses at least half the water of a grass lawn.

David Ovard, Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District: "If Utah is the second driest state in the nation, shouldn't we have at least the second best conservation programs in the nation? I think we should and we're no where near that now."

Everyone is watching the weather closely to see if things get any cooler or wetter over the next few weeks. But one thing is clear--drought conditions are not over--we're now heading into year six.

from: http://water.ksl.com/index.php?nid=3&sid=83235

Maria · 04-12-2004, 01:25 AM

K75 ...

Care to explain what's conservin' water ?

04-12-2004, 02:25 AM

@ CR: It means to save water instead of wasting it.

Few tips to save water:
- Do not let the faucet water run constantly when brushing teeth or shaving.
- Use washing containers to hold water for dishwashing and rinsing to avoid water running constantly.
- Do not drain water if it can be used for other purposes, such as watering houseplants or plants outside. Put a bucket under shower to collect some water for that purpose.
- Check for any leaks in the house. One drop a minute can add up to a significant amount of wasted water per year.
- Avoid flushing the toilet if unnecessary. Dispose of tissues, insects and other items in trash instead.
- Store water in containers in refrigerator instead of waiting for tap water to become colder, hence wasting water.

For more indoor tips, go to:
http://www.waterinfo.org/indcnsrv.html

For outdoors tips, go to:
http://www.waterinfo.org/outcnsrv.html

Ziusudra · 04-12-2004, 03:05 AM

I agree. Since where I live runs on tank water and creek water, and we don't get much rain, it's important to conserve water, so we're already doing our part

Maria · 04-12-2004, 03:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kuifje75

@ CR: It means to save water instead of wasting it.

Few tips to save water:
- Do not let the faucet water run constantly when brushing teeth or shaving.
- Use washing containers to hold water for dishwashing and rinsing to avoid water running constantly.
- Do not drain water if it can be used for other purposes, such as watering houseplants or plants outside. Put a bucket under shower to collect some water for that purpose.
- Check for any leaks in the house. One drop a minute can add up to a significant amount of wasted water per year.
- Avoid flushing the toilet if unnecessary. Dispose of tissues, insects and other items in trash instead.
- Store water in containers in refrigerator instead of waiting for tap water to become colder, hence wasting water.

For more indoor tips, go to:
http://www.waterinfo.org/indcnsrv.html

For outdoors tips, go to:
http://www.waterinfo.org/outcnsrv.html

Ah, I got it. Thanks. Wow ...
It makes me think of all the water bottles/jugs at the stores. Ummm... wonderin' if, water bottles/jugs are goin' to raise the prices due to drought ? I see what you mean about "conservin' water" meanin' to save instead of wastin' water. If, people don't save the water just like you

out on the list above... will it cost people alot of $$ by billin' if, they don't save water in the near future ? I am lucky that I live in Alaska. *Chuckles* Alaska has plenty of water, because of lots of rain and also glaciers everywhere. I am sure that there's goin' to change alot down the road by creatin' a new law for water...
I saw somethin' at the website about the billin' that involves at the homes when someone lives in the house while one of kins go to work. I will try to remma... it says at the website when I read it, said if one of kins go to work and someone (relatives or families who don't work) lives in the house and uses the water. One of kins who worked will get the billin' for it by takin' his/her wage out... something like that. I am not sure what exact called it. I read about it at the website long ago. If, that happens in the near future... I better stick my arse in Alaska for a very long time.

Thanks for explainin' what conservin' water is.

Liebling:-))) · 04-12-2004, 04:03 AM

Good Thread Kuiji75...

Here in Germany do their budget with utilities used like electricity, water, sewage, gas, oil etc... due environment-friendly...

I´ll add to respond on it later...

***VamPyroX*** · 04-12-2004, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kuifje75

- Do not drain water if it can be used for other purposes, such as watering houseplants or plants outside. Put a bucket under shower to collect some water for that purpose.

Doesn't using old water from elsewhere hurt your plants? You wash your oily hands with soap, then the oil and soap will kill the plants?

Quote:

Originally Posted by kuifje75

- Avoid flushing the toilet if unnecessary. Dispose of tissues, insects and other items in trash instead.

I'd rather flush bugs than to let them creap in my trash can.

04-12-2004, 07:02 AM

Vampy, I said IF IT IS ABLE TO BE USED AGAIN.
Besides, some food can be good, such as potato juice. Once cooled it will be good source of minerals for the plants. I think common sense is in order here.
And finally, soap water actually can be used on plants as a defence against some pests.

I think I'd risk splattered insects in my rubbish bin than contributing to the depleting water supply.

Soonersseth · 04-12-2004, 07:39 AM

I always try to save water

04-12-2004, 07:54 AM

I am not sure, but I think Dawn soap is safe for plants.

CatoCooper13 · 04-12-2004, 08:20 AM

Of course -- water is the most vital thing in our survival aside from food. If we didn't put an effort in conserving water for our consumption, it'll be total chaos trying to find water to survive.

Does USA have water restrictions in effect in order to conserve water? Here in Australia -- there are restrictions on what can be used with water (such as watering plants etc) and not to use that will waste water.

WBHarley · 04-12-2004, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WaterRats13

Of course -- water is the most vital thing in our survival aside from food. If we didn't put an effort in conserving water for our consumption, it'll be total chaos trying to find water to survive.

Does USA have water restrictions in effect in order to conserve water? Here in Australia -- there are restrictions on what can be used with water (such as watering plants etc) and not to use that will waste water.

Yes Most of the places now are on restrictions...

As for Mashpee where I live in the towns rules is No water during days and weekend but can water after 5 pm. I got to read more about their policy too.. because we just had water install but NOT yet hooked to our house.. we tried to do that last year but Roommate screwed us up.. now We don't have roommate so We had to get our floor done FIRST before our baby crawls!! so I am sure we will converse to water this summer time.. We will be using well water for the yardwork.. but town water use for house etc.. that way we can keep it "less" problem with town !

Wendy

gnarlydorkette · 04-12-2004, 03:07 PM

Southern Californians know how to conserve water... we HAVE to for our own sake. I am sure every Californian knows that a dripping facuet is ~BAD~...

Or is it just me?

I am *EXTREMELY* uptight about wasting water. I always scold my friends who left the water running- EVEN DRIPPING in the bathroom or any facuet in the house. "You need to tighten it more! Don't let it drip!" They would like, "gee, it is just water..." but of course 90% of my friends are not native of California so they have no military-like drills through their childhood to SAVE WATER... I remember those educational sessions at elementary about saving water by doing this, that and those... and the horrible forewarning- "IF YOU DONT DO IT NOW, THEN IN COUPLE OF YEARS WE ALL WILL BE DYING OF THIRST!" (GASPPPPPPPPPP........ running to the facuet and tighten it) The teacher even told us to save tiolet water by not flushing it if you only use it to pee- nobody is to flush the tiolet unless somebody leaves behind their bowel movements THEN that person is allowed to flush...

that is beyond uptight... ANAL RETENTIVE~! :lmao:

Lasza · 04-12-2004, 03:45 PM

Not that surprise about water conserve again. Heard some of West Coast states are in dought. Can be threat to the forest and everywhere.

Hope, I don't end up in restriction in Colorado again like 2002.

Liza · 04-12-2004, 03:48 PM

I firmly believe in conserving water even if there is no emergency. In Hawaii, children are taught that conserving energy and water is very, very important. There are various art contests for children that can learn about how conserving water and energy is important. Natural resources, too.. we learn a lot about energy saving ways, and how energy can be generated without harming the environment (think windmills, etc).

In Norway, we don't use too much water for our toilets... when my hubby saw the american toilets, he thought the water was quite excessive and I agree with him.

It's such a shame there are some people who either don't care or don't think about it.... one day they will have to contend with a real problem like lack of water or die.

I would hate for that to happen.

tekkmortal · 04-12-2004, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gnarlydorkette

Southern Californians know how to conserve water... we HAVE to for our own sake. I am sure every Californian knows that a dripping facuet is ~BAD~...

Or is it just me?

I am *EXTREMELY* uptight about wasting water. I always scold my friends who left the water running- EVEN DRIPPING in the bathroom or any facuet in the house. "You need to tighten it more! Don't let it drip!" They would like, "gee, it is just water..." but of course 90% of my friends are not native of California so they have no military-like drills through their childhood to SAVE WATER... I remember those educational sessions at elementary about saving water by doing this, that and those... and the horrible forewarning- "IF YOU DONT DO IT NOW, THEN IN COUPLE OF YEARS WE ALL WILL BE DYING OF THIRST!" (GASPPPPPPPPPP........ running to the facuet and tighten it) The teacher even told us to save tiolet water by not flushing it if you only use it to pee- nobody is to flush the tiolet unless somebody leaves behind their bowel movements THEN that person is allowed to flush...

that is beyond uptight... ANAL RETENTIVE~! :lmao:

You probably wont die from thirst. Water will be avaliable but will be more expensive. Saudi Arabia is hotter and drier than California and still have water. How? They desalinate ocean water.

DeafSCUBA98 · 04-13-2004, 12:32 AM

However, i never water my lawn for 2 years now.. i just let god decide when my lawn needs rain..

I always save water.. i buy speical water-savings shower. short showers. i only pee outside but i do use toilet for taking B.M.'s

but the only thing that i waste water on is..... putting dish in dishwasher.. washing clothes using washing machine. those two is only thing i'm wasting water on

Here in my town.. there's law related to watering ur lawn.. if your address on end is odd number you can only water ur lawn on odd days.. if your address on end is even number u can only water ur lawn on even days.. this is what my town's law about watering ur lawn.

DeafSCUBA98 · 04-13-2004, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gnarlydorkette

The teacher even told us to save tiolet water by not flushing it if you only use it to pee- nobody is to flush the tiolet unless somebody leaves behind their bowel movements THEN that person is allowed to flush...

leave pee in toliet without flushing... Geez... suggust not to do that.. because bacterria will spread in restroom and its STINKY if left for long time...

and its embarrased if you forgot to flush it and ur friends or family stop by and they use restroom and saw pee and the smell..

04-13-2004, 12:41 AM

actually, if you use a toilet deodorant, it will cover up the smell.

Opal · 04-13-2004, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gnarlydorkette

The teacher even told us to save tiolet water by not flushing it if you only use it to pee- nobody is to flush the tiolet unless somebody leaves behind their bowel movements THEN that person is allowed to flush...

My daughter's friend came to my house and she don't flush my toilet after using it and I find it rude, and I question her why she forgot to flush it, and she said she don't allow to flush her toilet at home, and I was baffled why, and I asked her mother, she said it cost her about $10 per day for flushing her toilet, and she teach her 3 children not to flush her toilet! What a tight wad she is!!. My daughter don't like to using her toilet knowing its smelly there.

Me - I tried to save water as much as I can, and I often filled my bowl with water and then peeling potatoes in, before cooking, but my hubby won't do that, he prefer peeling potatoes with running water!!!

I hate to watch him washing fishes he caught from the pacific ocean knowing he will waste about 20 litre of water for scrub and wash each fresh fish!! He is fastidious to keep fish clean!!

He prefer to buy new dishwasher and washing machine with star energy sticker on it knowing it helps to save water and electric!

Liebling:-))) · 04-13-2004, 02:03 PM

We do to save the energy what we can accord the enviroment...

The children were taught by school why the energy, water etc are most important...

Quote:

- Do not let the faucet water run constantly when brushing teeth or shaving.

Correct, we used the plastic cup to fill the water while finish brushing our teeth.
Use soapy water in the sink for shaving

Quote:

- Use washing containers to hold water for dishwashing and rinsing to avoid water running constantly.

Correct, we do it. We have special washdisher & washmachine with save energy.

Quote:

- Do not drain water if it can be used for other purposes, such as watering houseplants or plants outside. Put a bucket under shower to collect some water for that purpose.

Water the plant with soapy water? Poor plant...

Collect the water from shower is toooo stress....

I used leftover cold water after finish boiled unpeeling potatoes & boiled egg to water the plants which it´s good for plants´s leaves.

I used leftover vegetables or peeling potatoes fluid to make the gravey or sauce...

I rather to use rain barrels to rainwater the gardens, plants etc.
I owned 4 500 litres of rainwater barrels... 3 is outdoor for garden & 1 is indoor at washroom. The rain comes to drain gutter to fill the barrels real faster... We used rainwater all the time without use taps.
We have 2 water meters... One of them is use for garden without sewage cost...
We collect water from puddle pool to water our garden except lawn... The rain do it for us...

Quote:

- Check for any leaks in the house. One drop a minute can add up to a significant amount of wasted water per year.

Correct... it was happened to me before... the leak are defect... I leave 2 litres of jug to let the water drop up to 2 litres within 10 hours then use it for plants or boiled the tea or coffee or eggs etc. until the repair is done...

Quote:

- Avoid flushing the toilet if unnecessary. Dispose of tissues, insects and other items in trash instead.

Correct... I throw insects etc into trash bin instead of flush to waste the water...

Quote:

- Store water in containers in refrigerator instead of waiting for tap water to become colder, hence wasting water.

I drink the water straight way instead of wait until the water colder because the water are cold already...

Quote:

actually, if you use a toilet deodorant, it will cover up the smell.

Oh No, the heathly comes first... It doesn´t help when you use a toilet deodorant to cover up the smell. The germ would affect your healthy...

The healthy is most important than save the water for only toilet...

I´m too fussy to take care of the toilet to rid of germs etc.

RedRum wrote:

Quote:

My daughter's friend came to my house and she don't flush my toilet after using it and I find it rude, and I question her why she forgot to flush it, and she said she don't allow to flush her toilet at home, and I was baffled why, and I asked her mother, she said it cost her about $10 per day for flushing her toilet, and she teach her 3 children not to flush her toilet! What a tight wad she is!!. My daughter don't like to using her toilet knowing its smelly there.

It makes me feel sick when I smell at toilet...

RedRum wrote:

Quote:

I hate to watch him washing fishes he caught from the pacific ocean knowing he will waste about 20 litre of water for scrub and wash each fresh fish!! He is fastidious to keep fish clean!!

I also dislike when I watched your hubby doing like this... He let the water running while he wash the fishes & chat with his friend... 20 litres..Oh no... maybe 100 litres

My son remind your hubby to turn the water off but your hubby told him to leave it alone & carry on chat with his friend

I remember it... lol...

Liebling:-))) · 04-14-2004, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kuifje75

And finally, soap water actually can be used on plants as a defence against some pests.

I asked my work colleague Rosemarie about soap water today... She said it's correct what you say...but do not use it more often... say around once every 2 weeks...

I'm total surprised because I didn't know about this...

View Poll Results: Would you try to conserve water even not under a drought emergency?
Nah, I don't want to do my part. I'll water my lawn and wash my car every day!	1	2.50%
Somewhat. I'd still water my flowers everyday.	6	15.00%
Absolutely! Water is an important natural resource and I don't want to wake up one day unable to have water!	29	72.50%
I don't care at all.	4	10.00%
Voters: 40. You may not vote on this poll

04-12-2004, 04:03 AM	#6 (permalink)
Liebling:-))) Hiiiiiii it's meeeeee Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Germany Posts: 24,839	Good Thread Kuiji75... Here in Germany do their budget with utilities used like electricity, water, sewage, gas, oil etc... due environment-friendly... I´ll add to respond on it later... __________________ sniffing you

04-12-2004, 07:02 AM	#8 (permalink)
kuifje75 Guest Posts: n/a	Vampy, I said IF IT IS ABLE TO BE USED AGAIN. Besides, some food can be good, such as potato juice. Once cooled it will be good source of minerals for the plants. I think common sense is in order here. And finally, soap water actually can be used on plants as a defence against some pests. I think I'd risk splattered insects in my rubbish bin than contributing to the depleting water supply. Last edited by kuifje75; 04-12-2004 at 07:08 AM.

04-12-2004, 03:48 PM	#15 (permalink)
Liza Only me Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: St Augustine, FL Posts: 3,565	I firmly believe in conserving water even if there is no emergency. In Hawaii, children are taught that conserving energy and water is very, very important. There are various art contests for children that can learn about how conserving water and energy is important. Natural resources, too.. we learn a lot about energy saving ways, and how energy can be generated without harming the environment (think windmills, etc). In Norway, we don't use too much water for our toilets... when my hubby saw the american toilets, he thought the water was quite excessive and I agree with him. It's such a shame there are some people who either don't care or don't think about it.... one day they will have to contend with a real problem like lack of water or die. I would hate for that to happen. __________________

04-13-2004, 12:32 AM	#17 (permalink)
DeafSCUBA98 my cute fish of the year! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: land of 10,000 lakes and living by one of them Posts: 4,627	However, i never water my lawn for 2 years now.. i just let god decide when my lawn needs rain.. I always save water.. i buy speical water-savings shower. short showers. i only pee outside but i do use toilet for taking B.M.'s but the only thing that i waste water on is..... putting dish in dishwasher.. washing clothes using washing machine. those two is only thing i'm wasting water on Here in my town.. there's law related to watering ur lawn.. if your address on end is odd number you can only water ur lawn on odd days.. if your address on end is even number u can only water ur lawn on even days.. this is what my town's law about watering ur lawn. __________________ Nucleus Freedom 04/18/05 activiated 05/16/05

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04-12-2004, 01:25 AM	#2 (permalink)
Maria Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: FLORIDA Posts: 7,777	K75 ... Care to explain what's conservin' water ?

04-12-2004, 02:25 AM	#3 (permalink)
kuifje75 Guest Posts: n/a	@ CR: It means to save water instead of wasting it. Few tips to save water: - Do not let the faucet water run constantly when brushing teeth or shaving. - Use washing containers to hold water for dishwashing and rinsing to avoid water running constantly. - Do not drain water if it can be used for other purposes, such as watering houseplants or plants outside. Put a bucket under shower to collect some water for that purpose. - Check for any leaks in the house. One drop a minute can add up to a significant amount of wasted water per year. - Avoid flushing the toilet if unnecessary. Dispose of tissues, insects and other items in trash instead. - Store water in containers in refrigerator instead of waiting for tap water to become colder, hence wasting water. For more indoor tips, go to: http://www.waterinfo.org/indcnsrv.html For outdoors tips, go to: http://www.waterinfo.org/outcnsrv.html

04-12-2004, 03:05 AM	#4 (permalink)
Ziusudra The Cammy Fighter Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Gold Coast, Australia Posts: 771	I agree. Since where I live runs on tank water and creek water, and we don't get much rain, it's important to conserve water, so we're already doing our part

04-12-2004, 07:39 AM	#9 (permalink)
Soonersseth Boomer Sooner Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 1,387	I always try to save water

04-12-2004, 07:54 AM	#10 (permalink)
Deaf258 Guest Posts: n/a	I am not sure, but I think Dawn soap is safe for plants.

04-12-2004, 08:20 AM	#11 (permalink)
CatoCooper13 Am attached and in LOVE! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Sonoma County, California Posts: 6,419	Of course -- water is the most vital thing in our survival aside from food. If we didn't put an effort in conserving water for our consumption, it'll be total chaos trying to find water to survive. Does USA have water restrictions in effect in order to conserve water? Here in Australia -- there are restrictions on what can be used with water (such as watering plants etc) and not to use that will waste water.

04-12-2004, 03:07 PM	#13 (permalink)
gnarlydorkette is leaving for good. Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Sunny Diego in Califunny Posts: 1,764	Southern Californians know how to conserve water... we HAVE to for our own sake. I am sure every Californian knows that a dripping facuet is ~BAD~... Or is it just me? I am EXTREMELY uptight about wasting water. I always scold my friends who left the water running- EVEN DRIPPING in the bathroom or any facuet in the house. "You need to tighten it more! Don't let it drip!" They would like, "gee, it is just water..." but of course 90% of my friends are not native of California so they have no military-like drills through their childhood to SAVE WATER... I remember those educational sessions at elementary about saving water by doing this, that and those... and the horrible forewarning- "IF YOU DONT DO IT NOW, THEN IN COUPLE OF YEARS WE ALL WILL BE DYING OF THIRST!" (GASPPPPPPPPPP........ running to the facuet and tighten it) The teacher even told us to save tiolet water by not flushing it if you only use it to pee- nobody is to flush the tiolet unless somebody leaves behind their bowel movements THEN that person is allowed to flush... that is beyond uptight... ANAL RETENTIVE~! :lmao:

04-12-2004, 03:45 PM	#14 (permalink)
Lasza Premium Lurker Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Mile High State Posts: 2,510	Not that surprise about water conserve again. Heard some of West Coast states are in dought. Can be threat to the forest and everywhere. Hope, I don't end up in restriction in Colorado again like 2002.

04-13-2004, 12:41 AM	#19 (permalink)
kuifje75 Guest Posts: n/a	actually, if you use a toilet deodorant, it will cover up the smell.

04-14-2004, 01:31 AM	#23 (permalink)
Opal ~~~~~ Join Date: Aug 2003 P