Blog 5 - Water Conservation in Texas

Blog 5

The importance of daily water usage

Texas should pass strict water conservation

 

Managing and protecting our water resources is one of the most critical issues facing Texas today. Some are predicting that the populations will double putting more pressure on the existing water supplies.  The fundamental measure of a city’s conservation effort is its progress in improving water use efficiency.

After reviewing ones daily usage of water, many will quickly learn the true value of having water vs. no water.  

My morning like most starts with a simple task of washing my face, brushing my teeth, taking shower, and flushing the toilet in an effort to prepare for my work day. This is something that we all do daily but how often do we stop and asks the question, “What would my day be like if there was no water?” 

           My next encounter was making that first cup of coffee. I can’t image starting my day without it; however, only a true coffee drinker would understand the possible disaster that could happen if the craving for caffeine is not satisfied.

No Water = No Coffee

The repercussions could be devastating

          Continuing on with breakfast, lunch and dinner, still determining the effect of what it would be like not to have water. While sitting in the restaurant having dinner I thought about the how the owner’s may have to make a decision of paying the higher cost of water or would they have to cut back on the usage of water behind closed doors.

The food may still appear to be fine on your plate, but what if the kitchens looked like this?

Dirty restaurants face naming and shaming with new hygiene ratings

In November of 2009, the Austin Water Implemented rising rates, with top ten tiers of $10 per thousand gallons for those who use more than the recommended amount.  When looking at the struggles of the average Austin Homeowners compared to some homeowners that use more than their share of water will make average person very angry.

After reading the article As Austin Struggle with drought, some homeowner use more than share of water    A list of the top ten users from the water utility is of course the homeowners with the most money.   The number one residential user of water in the last four months is Webber, a founder of dot-com. He used more than 1.74 million gallons of water.  This is enough to fill about three Olympic size swimming pools.   Another example is the home of U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, listed as number 7 used 135,000 gallons of water, although he blamed the underground sprinkler system.  As concerned citizens why do we accept his poor reasoning? JUST FIX THE STUPID SPRINKLER!!!  The other names listed as well as the amount of water they used will make one’s jaw drop and head spin.  How is this acceptable?  How is it that the city could assess a penalty of at least $475 (Rolled out on Sept. 6) for having a charity car wash but there’s not a penalty for abusers with money?

The article Drought hurting Lake Travis Businesses  demonstrates the importance of water and the affect the drought has on the businesses.    Austin is known for its water attractions on the lake but business are suffering from the drought, like Carlos and Charlie's, a lake business that depends on visitors spending for revenue.  The average visitor spending has dropped as much as $33.8 million. At least 241 jobs have been lost, accounting for $ 6.1 million in lost wages. Also there was a lost in Sales Tax revenue and hotels receipts by $45,000. A reduction of park visits by as many as 375,000 per year.

Picture of Carlos and Charlie's during 2011 drought

As concerned citizens what are we doing, or might I say, what are we not doing about to help with this major issue. Some may say that the Government should stay out of it, but I beg to differ.  If the Government does nothing at this level then there’s will be no water for later.   First, they should expand regulation on business to reclaimed water for irrigation.  Second, Texas cities should have a low-average rate for frugal water users and higher rates for water abusers.  Finally, Texas law makers should be more proactive in water conservation technologies and research that promote job growth and high water quality for the future.  WAKE UP AUSTIN!   Stop wasting water now because tomorrow will be too late.