Desalination - needed or not???

On Tuesday, October 2nd at 6:30pm there is a public meeting regarding the Water Purchase Agreement for the proposed Carlsbad desalination plant. This meeting will be held at the San Diego County Water Authority, at 4677 Overland Avenue. This will be a chance to learn how the proposed desalination plant will affect rate-payers and the risks the County Water Authority is taking on with this project.http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Desalination-no-panacea-for-Calif-water-woes-3885771.php#photo-3491884

Outdoor Water Use

During the "rainy" season in San Diego it is a good time to consider all the different ways that we use (or overuse) water in our landscaping.

To optimize some of your outdoor water use try using the City of San Diego's Landscape Watering Calculator found here: http://apps.sandiego.gov/landcalc/

Saving Water

Two ways we can save water in San Diego. One is to report a water leak, meter leak or pressure problem. The number to call is (619) 515-3525 (good to have in your cell phone). The second way is to turn off your sprinklers when it rains.

March 15 - 21 What's all the fuss about Water?

Water is the elixir of life; 80% of the earth's surface, 70% of our body weight. Did you know that only 1% of the water on earth is potable (drinkable).

It's hard to imagine a world with little drinkable water. But for many people around the globe that has become, or is becoming a reality. The movie FLOW (For Love Of Water), which came out last year, gives an in depth look at the crisis we are facing as we turn a blind eye to this life-giving resource as well as a hopeful look at what can be done.

David Garson reminds us, "to be stewards of this precious resource requires that we use it carefully . . . and at a personal level . . . Stewarding our precious and finite supply of water is an essential part of living an environmentally sustainable lifestyle."

As we are called to be stewards of the earth, let us remember all the ways water is useful to us - as well as how we best care for this precious resource.
Here are ideas from the "Green Living Handbook"

1 - find leaks in your home and repair them
2 - reduce water used for flushing toilets
3 - reduce the number of times you flush
4 - install water saving devices (low flow shower heads, faucet aerators . . .)
5 - reduce shower and bath water
6 - reduce water used in personal care (turn off water while brushing teeth, shaving, soaping up . . ._

7 - reduce water used to wash dishes
8 - drink refrigerated water
9 - minimize salt used by water softeners
10 - Check Water purity
11 - wash your car on grass or gravel (or better go to a car wash that treats and recycles the water)

12 - reduce the amount of water going in to the sewer system
13 - reduce water used on lawns and gardens (or better yet xeriscape your yard)
14 - reduce use of weed killers and fertilizers
15 - create a sustainable stream side ecosystem

Water Rationing in San Diego

The Union Tribune reported on 2/7/09 that SD leaders are developing a plan for water rationing based on a "budget" for residents and businesses to use as they see fit. If businesses and residents go over a pre-determined cap, they could be charged fees up to 5 times the regular cost of water.

Critics of the plan feel that those who have already been conserving water will be penalized the most because now they will have to cut back the same percentage as those who have been squandering water all along.

Public meetings are being held on February 9, 10, and 12 to hear public comments (see U-T, 2/7/09: Super savers may not see fairness in rationing plan).

What's your solution?