We're in trouble.
We already know we have a drought in California, and we have several programs in place intended for water conservation. But looking at this interactive drought map from United States Drought Monitor it appears other areas are having its share of trouble, too.
California Water Conservation
In California, real estate wise, we already have a new disclosure advising sellers and buyers about a Senate Bill 407 that would require, “on or before January 1, 2019, that all noncompliant plumbing fixtures in multifamily residential real property and commercial real property, as defined, be replaced with water-conserving plumbing fixtures”.
There are water conservation measures that the state is struggling to impose and implement.
In my neck of the woods, EBMUD (East Bay Municipal Utility District) has several resources on its site to encourage water conservation. They even offer rebates. They have a WaterSmart Center to educate people on water conservation techniques, and tries to sweeten the deal with coupons for organic mulch.
What we can do on a personal level
Greywater. On a personal level, I have reached out to grey water installers. Grey water, according to Wikipedia is “Greywater or sullage is defined as wastewater generated from wash hand basins, showers and baths, which can be recycled on-site for uses such as WC flushing, landscape irrigation and constructed wetlands. “
But I may settle for a simple solution to use laundry water for irrigation. Such a system my plumber can do easily at reasonable cost.
Xeriscape. Along the way, I am looking once again at xeriscaping which in practice means simply “landscaping with slow-growing, drought tolerant plants to conserve water and reduce yard trimmings.” And happily, I found a local resource too.
Other ways
None of our washing machines or dishwashers are run unless they’re full. Cycles are shortened. I bring my car to a car wash that reclaims and reuses grey water.
I save my bath water and fill up buckets to use to water my mom's container plants and flowers. To make sure the water is safe. I only use organic soaps like Dr. Bronner.
My car is washed at a car wash that reclaims and re-uses grey water.
But after looking at this map, we still have a long way to go.
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