Before desalination, conservation

From the Pasadena Star News:

BIWATER AEWT, the second-largest desalination plant supplier in the United States, had to move into bigger digs because its business is so good. The Monrovia-based firm is filling orders from Singapore to Algeria, the owner told our reporter.

Yes, it’s a thirsty world. And, yes, such technology is becoming economically viable as water prices rise because of higher demand and limited supplies. But before California dips its line into the Pacific Ocean, there are some cheaper and less invasive steps it must take to find more drinking water.

First on the list is conservation.

Experts say the average American wastes 50 percent of the water we use. One of the biggest ways suburban homeowners waste water is by over-watering lawns and gardens. By watering after dusk and before 8 a.m., each household can save 20-25 gallons a day. Other tips for water savings (from www.bewaterwise.com) include: turning off the faucet while brushing teeth (2 gallons per minute); washing only full loads of laundry (15-50 gallons per load); installing low-flush toilets (2.2-3.8 gallons per flush). The list of relatively simple things everyone can do to save water goes on and on.

Before water agencies start sucking ocean water and charging the cost of building such plants to their customers, they must work harder to help customers use less water. And consumers must incorporate low-water usage into their household routines. Think of it in the same way as replacing each bulb with a compact fluorescent, something many homeowners and business owners have already done to save energy and lower electricity bills.

Recycling water and cleaning up contaminated groundwater basins are also crucial, says the article. Click here for the full text of this article from the Pasadena Star News.

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