Brenda Sprankle at Rodeo Realty in California asks;
"What about water power? Is there a reason why the recycled gray water isn't put to use when building these new homes to water the lawns or gardens to grow our own food?
These are excellent questions, as we know that Southern California uses way too much water and the Colorado River, Sierra Nevada run-off and the Bay Delta fresh water supplies cannot possibly keep up. Las Vegas once again is the fastest growing DMA in the country, Phoenix area is second and California's Riverside and North San Diego Counties definitely broke speed records during this last housing boon cycle.
There is not enough water to maintain this, whether or not we are in an El Nino or drought year, it really makes no difference we are using too much water these days. So, what's wrong with collecting water off the roof for our gardens or using gray water for our lawns and shrubbery? The answer is nothing, not a thing really, some people say it smells bad, but would you rather run out?
Major initiatives have been set along California's coast for desalination plants - still, that is the proverbial drop in the bucket compared to the usage. Why just ask anyone from the Los Angeles DWP and they'll tell you what's going on. In fact the LA City and County are now enforcing water wasters with little code enforcement vehicles citing violators. Who you gonna call; "Drought Busters!"
We should be using water wisely and that means all of it, and if it is not sewage, then use it again. Bath water, shower water, laundry water, dishwasher water and even the water from washing your car, use it again. Wash your car on the lawn, and you will have a happy green grass smiling back at you.
We need to be thinking here, these BMPs or Best Management Practices are nothing new. We either solve the problems and meet the challenge now or we will find ourselves in Level III drought tomorrow and when you lawn dies their goes your property values and the real estate market again. Something to contemplate in 2008.
Lance Winslow
Thank you Lance!
That is what I am talking about. New home builders or the plumbers in this case should be rerouting the gray-water plumbing pipes to water the lawns etc...
It should be made mandatory as part of the housing codes. Not only is it a green practice but it would save homeowners money!
Even if it did raise the overall price on a home, I think the advantages would pay off in the end result. It would be a great sales tools when selling a house, in my opinion.