Southern Californians are full of contradictions, especially when it comes to their water.
They live next door to the ocean, but every other backyard has a swimming pool. The temperature plummets five degrees, and the masses pull out their UGG boots and parkas to brave the “cold.”
Everyone complains about traffic but still sits on the I-405 during rush hour. There is a water shortage, and yet Southern Californians continue to use water in excess.
California is currently facing dwindling water supplies due to a combination of drought, global warming and an increase in population.
While rainfall fluctuates, global warming has shortened the snow season in the Sierra Mountains. This translates to less snowmelt, which means less water for crops, drinking water and watering the grass.
Some argue that climate change is not a legitimate issue and therefore not an immediate concern. However, the results of the planet’s rise in temperature cannot be ignored. Although California is not yet experiencing harsher hurricanes or more extreme temperatures, residents will be directly affected by climate change via the water supply in the coming years.
While the government has issued some guidelines and long-term plans to help curtail California’s water crisis, no actual laws restricting water usage have been put into effect.
We all know that we’re supposed to conserve water until after 7 p.m.; however, people tend to ignore the rules when they are not enforced.
In the absence of government action, Californians should take it upon themselves to do something about the state’s water problem.
Otherwise the cost of water will escalate faster than gas prices.
Californians should think about the amount of water wasted on a daily basis, from menial tasks such as turning on the dishwasher to washing the car or waiting for the shower water to heat up.
There are several actions individuals can take both in the short and long terms that will help to conserve water. Using environmentally friendly cleaners can make a big impact on water usage.
These cleaners make it possible to irrigate plants with the same water that is used to mop the floor. Earth-friendly cleaners won’t dry up or destroy vegetation because it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals.
Also, when possible, wash the car on the lawn and kill two birds with one stone.
Several quick changes, such as fixing leaking faucets can also help to save water. Those little drips of water add up quickly.
According to the Water Conservation Council, 192 gallons of water are wasted each month by leaking faucets, and 30 to 500 gallons a day are wasted due to a leaking toilet.
The Water Conservation Council says a shower shortened by just two minutes saves five gallons of water.
If this winter does not deliver a considerable amount of precipitation, certain areas of the state will face water shortages, according to the California Water Management Council.
Like climate change, water conservation is not an issue that is on the forefront of many people’s minds. Unfortunately, people might not pay attention to the issue until California is in crisis mode.
The water shortage would not lead to the physical demise of the state. However, without its own supply, water will have to be imported into the state. That could mean the price of water would skyrocket.
So please, if nothing else, turn off the faucet when you’re brushing your teeth.
