Basic Water Conservation in California - Coursework Example

Topic: Basic Water Conservation in California Topic of Contents Introduction Water Problems in California Water Conservation Techniques 3 Irrigated Agriculture of California 3 Water Consumption at Lawn and Garden 4 Design of available Space 4 Preparation of Soil 4 Putting Plants at Right Places 5 Efficient Irrigation 5 Mulch and Proper Maintenance 6 Water Consumption at Home 6 Water Use in Kitchen 6 Water Use in Bathroom 7 Water Use in Manufacturing Automobile and Food Items 8 Connection of Energy and Water Conservation 8 Conclusion 9 References: 10 Introduction California situated on the west coast of United States of America has been experiencing water problems from the past few decades. The situation calls for the timely identification and employment of proper water conservation techniques otherwise the condition may worsen in future. Therefore, the need of the time is to employ the measures of water conservation. In spite of media attention and focus by legislators and Governors, common people of California are unaware of the water problems. A statewide effort in the name of “California’s Water: A Crisis We Can’t Ignore” has been launched by ACWA or Association of California Water Agencies, which is a coalition of 450 public water agencies. Its primary aim is to educate the people about various ways of saving this natural resource; only with little alterations in lifestyle, this goal can easily be achieved. (CALIFORNIA’S WATER: A CRISIS WE CAN’T IGNORE, September 2007) Water Problems in California Water supply in California has been severely reduced in recent years thus affecting the common people and business farms in Central, Northern and Southern California. In August 2007, water supplies from two large water delivery systems were cut in order to protect endangered fish species. Delta, the natural estuary, which waters about 2.5 million acres of farmland and 25 million Californians, is experiencing ecological crisis, thereby threatening the environment as well as the people of the state. Already, the growing water uncertainties and reduced water supplies are forcing the farmers to stop cultivation in some prime agricultural lands in the state; in turn, it is affecting the important industries of the state. Moreover, there is a possibility that the aging of Delta levees might also cripple the water deliveries in California for a long period. Rapid growth of California’s population is a threat, as there has been no significant improvement in the delivery system as well as the water storage system of the state. The water reserves of the state are relatively low and might not be able to meet up to the public demand, if there is disruption in the water delivery system of the state. Climatic changes in this zone are also an important factor for the growing concern of water conservation. The state has experienced severe drought conditions over the years and the year 2007 has been a record dry year in some of the regions in California. The changes in the climatic condition are also reducing mountain snow pack, which is an important source of natural water storage. Due to this condition, Californians might experience severe floods and long droughts in future. (CALIFORNIA’S WATER: A CRISIS WE CAN’T IGNORE, September 2007) Water Conservation Techniques (Tommy Foley, n.d.) Irrigated Agriculture of California Owing to the Mediterranean climate and unique geographical features, California has become a productive agricultural region in whole world. Sierra Nevada mountain range situated at the eastern border of California captures and stores the winter rainfall that can be used for irrigation during summer months. This water storage along with Mediterranean climate is favorable for the growth of a large variety of crops. Growing awareness of the environmental requirements of water along with population growth has compelled California agriculture to use water efficiently so that more amount of water is available for environmental and urban uses. Several management strategies and technologies are available that can conserve water along with maintaining the production standards. (California’s Irrigated Agriculture:, n.d.) Water Consumption at Lawn and Garden Design of available Space Owing to the limited water supply, water is expensive to purchase. However, it is not necessary to sacrifice the color and beauty in the home-adjoining gardens. Only a little alternation in the gardening technique can solve the water as well as bring color to the garden. Just by proper planning of the available space in the lawn, one can achieve the target of water conservation to a great extent. The areas of wind exposure, shade, sun, cold and heat along with slopes, drainage patterns and moisture sources tend to change with the changes in climate, so it needs a little consideration while thinking of the landscape design. The nest step is preparation of the soil. (Pamela M. Geisel and Carolyn L. Unruh, n.d.) Preparation of Soil Soil texture is directly linked with drainage, water retention and aeration. Clay soil can retain more moisture; so, water retention capacity is highest in this soil but it offers poor drainage, which result into insufficient oxygen supply to the plant roots. Sandy soils can provide good aeration but water can drain off easily. Loam soil is perhaps the best as it can provide a perfect balance between adequate aeration and water retention; so, less amount of water is needed to moisten the plant roots. Removal of weeds from the ground can provide enough water to the plants. Organic matter can be added to neutralize the soil pH, which in turn improves capacity of water retention. (Pamela M. Geisel and Carolyn L. Unruh, n.d.) Putting Plants at Right Places While planning the type of greenery in the garden, foliage should be selected according to the climatic conditions that require comparatively less amount of water for growth and nutrition. California natives can be considered, as they require less water to sustain. Grouping of ornamentals and placing low water plants far away in the garden can minimize the need for irrigation. (Backyard Conservation – Tree Planting, n.d.) Efficient Irrigation Adjusting irrigation schedule as per requirement can save large amount of water. Irrigation schedule should be altered monthly according to the wind, rainfall temperature and humidity. Use of soaker or drip hoses can minimize the water loss through runoff or evaporation. Any leakage in the irrigation system should be checked regularly. (Pamela M. Geisel and Carolyn L. Unruh, n.d.) Mulch and Proper Maintenance Mulch and proper maintenance are two basic requirements for water conservation in garden. Mulch insulates the soil thus reducing soil evaporation and improving the retention capacity of soil. Overuse of fertilizers might result into fast growth of plants and in turn more usage of water. (Backyard Conservation – Mulching, n.d.) Water Consumption at Home Water Use in Kitchen Research has revealed the fact that dishes washed in the dishwasher requires about 37% less water than washing them by hand. If hand washing cannot be avoided then it is better to fill the sink with soapy water on one side and clean water on the other side. This can reduce the amount of water required for rinsing the dishes in running tap water. The water saved is equivalent to the water used in 5 minutes of shower. (SAVING ENERGY – In The Kitchen, n.d.), The people of California should avoid defrosting frozen foods in running tap water; instead, the frozen items can be refrigerated overnight or defrosted in microwave. This simple adjustment can save up to 50-150 gallons of water in a month. Keeping a bottle of water in refrigerator can save the water required for cooling under running tap water; this can save as much as 200-300 gallons water per month. Rinsing vegetables in filled sink can be an effective measure for water conservation as that can save about 250 gallons of water a month. (Water Conservation, n.d.) Water Use in Bathroom Leakage in toilets results into huge amount of water loss. One of an effective measure to check this is putting a dye tablet or food color in the tank; if color appears without using the flush, then there is a leak in the water supply. By this way, 400 gallons of water can be saved in a month. (Jodie Tate, Summer 2003) It has been noticed that large amount of water is wasted through repeated flushing in toilets. This can be reduced to a considerable extent only by putting a plastic bottle filled with pebbles and water in the toilet tank. Thus, less water is used while flushing that can save up to 5-10 gallons of water per day. Ultra low flush models can also be used to achieve the target of bathroom water conservation. While taking a shower, cold water should not be wasted while waiting for hot water; instead, the cold water can be collected in a container and it can be used to water the plants. While brushing the teeth, if the water is turned off, it can save 3 gallons water everyday. Likewise, razor can be rinsed in filled up basin water instead of rinsing it in running water; this way, one can save about 3 gallons of water per day. (How to Save Water in the Bathroom, n.d.) Water Use in Manufacturing Automobile and Food Items Water is also an important ingredient in the manufacturing operations. If the Californians cut down the purchase of material things to some extent, it can be highly beneficial for water conservation. This fact cannot be neglected; it is as important as reducing the usage of water at home. A typical US car requires about 50 times more of its weight of water, in the manufacturing process. Therefore, choosing a fuel-efficient model would be a better option. Production of food items, as for example, bread, chicken, hamburger, egg, etc., also require huge amount of water; so, it is better to use them wisely so that they are not wasted. (Water Conservation, n.d.) Connection of Energy and Water Conservation It has been observed that 6.5% of the energy is used for the treatment and pumping of water in the state of California. About 2 to 3 % of the total electricity is used for pumping water in the uphill region and in the southern part of California. It is the right time for the common people to take initiative in saving the energy, which can save their personal electricity bill, too. Alternative energy resources like electricity production from fossil fuels can reduce water conservation, as 39% of fresh water is used for electricity production. (Water Conservation – THE WATER AND ENERGY CONNECTION, n.d.), Conclusion It is quite evident from the discussion that the Californians need to realize the need of the time and should try to take up individual measures in order to save water; otherwise, that day is not far away when there would be severe crisis of water. They should try the measures for conserving water everywhere; at home, at office, at lawns and gardens, even while shopping for daily items. As it is said ‘charity begins at home’, if every individual staying in California try to save water daily in their household chores, collectively they would be able to save huge amount of water thus saving energy, which would be beneficial for future. References: 1. Backyard Conservation – Mulching, (n.d.), United States Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service, retrieved on December 26, 2008 from 2. Backyard Conservation – Tree Planting, (n.d.), retrieved on December 26, 2008 from 3. California’s Irrigated Agriculture:, (n.d.), Department of Water Resources – Water Use Efficiency and Transfers, retrieved on December 26, 2008, from 4. CALIFORNIA’S WATER: A CRISIS WE CAN’T IGNORE, (September 2007), Association of California Water Agencies, retrieved on December 26, 2008 from < http://www.ci.sebastopol.ca.us/pdfs/programs/ACWA_FactSheet_Sept2007.pdf> 5. How to Save Water in the Bathroom, (n.d.), Town of Cary Water Conservation, retrieved on December 29, 2008 from 6. Jodie Tate, (Summer 2003), Home Water Conservation, University of Illinois Extension – Conservation Connections, retrieved on December 29, 2008 from 7. Pamela M. Geisel and Carolyn L. Unruh, Water Conservation Tips for the Home Lawn and Garden, (n.d.), University of California – Agriculture and Natural Resources, Publication 8036, retrieved on December 26, 2008 from 8. SAVING ENERGY – In The Kitchen, (n.d.), California Government, retrieved on December 26, 2008, from 9. Tommy Foley, (n.d.), California: Its Water, Its People, Our Problem, Cosmos 2005, Cluster 4, retrieved on December 29, 2008 from 10. Water Conservation – THE WATER AND ENERGY CONNECTION, (n.d.), MONO LAKE COMMITTEE, retrieved on December 26, 2008 from Read More