Like most of us we’ve been enjoying the spell of rain over the past few weeks. It’s not yet the gully-washers predicted, but certainly is welcome. The fields and hills are turning green, and it’s reassuring to head outside amid the puddles.
It’s going to take much more than occasional rain, however, to overcome four years of drought, and becoming complacent because the skies are gray and drippy is always a risk. The State of California has already notified its water project customers that they should expect no more than 10% of the water deliveries they have requested for 2016.
Locally, neither the Valley of the Moon Water District nor the City of Sonoma met their water reduction targets in October. Sure, it was a warm October and the rains have arrived a bit late, but given the severity of the drought we can’t afford to get lazy about saving water. If anything, we should use the rains to tighten up our water use even more.
Landscape watering systems should in the “off” mode. Given lower temperatures and some rainfall, there’s no reason to irrigate. If you see it happening, speak up! Even little things, like filling the sink with hot water while shaving instead of leaving the water running helps. Heck, stop shaving altogether! The popularity of rain-water barrels has increased, which is good, and is something every home should install. Rainwater is better for plants than treated water, anyway.
We’ve taken clean drinking water for granted for so long it’s hard to shift gears, but shift gears we must – not only in the present, but for the foreseeable future. Global temperatures continue to rise, and weather patterns are not as predictable as they have been in the past. Setting the proper example for our children and grandchildren about the preciousness of drinking water will insure that they grow up appreciating how important it is to conserve.
By all means enjoy the rain, but let it also remind you that life depends upon having enough clean drinking water and it should not, by any means, be wasted.
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