I recently travelled to Lake Mead, Hoover Dam to be specific. I have passed by there at least a dozen times over my lifetime, but this last time was a real wakeup call. The level of the lake that supports so many people is beyond low. As a result, I have really put some thought into how to both harvest rainwater and to conserve water in Independence Station. To start with, we have turned to the experts at Kohler and the EPA WaterSense program to stretch what we use. From ingenious shower heads to water saving faucets and ultra low flush toilets, Kohler has really come through for us.
Once we have the plumbing efficiency covered, the next crucial step is user education to break old wasteful habits such as leaving the water flowing while brushing teeth and shaving while in the shower. I’ve been guilty of this for many years and have recently started shaving after my shower. Without a committed user, all the water saving fixtures will do little good.
Once we have conservation and good habits working for us, now we can move to the fun part; rain water harvesting. Independence, OR, gets 49 inches of rain per year. (The US average is 37.) We plan on taking advantage of this free asset from the sky. We have 92,000 total gallons of rain water storage, more than enough to bridge the entire dry Summer for laundry, toilets, hose bibs and irrigation of the landscaping, green roof and the vertical garden in the main lobby. After removing these uses from the City water supply, we should have some of the lowest potable water consumption rates per square foot of any similar building in the world. Just think, if all new buildings in areas with at least 20 inches of rain per year would do this, we would not be facing such a water crisis in most parts of the county.
Today, the issue is oil. Tomorrow, the issue will be water. Think about what you can do in your own life to help conserve. My heart is after those less fortunate. Look into “Playpumps” if you are also so inclined. Another new water invention is from Dean Kaman and is called the “Slingshot”. Drop me a line and let me know what you think about these inventions and if you would like to join me in seeking ways to support the distribution of these lifesaving devices.
