Water consumption during this summer's drought. (Los Angeles, San Diego: 2014, neighborhoods, subdivisions)

[wehotex]

Originally Posted by Tulemutt

I'm curious. How do y

our landlord know

She lives in the house and constantly inspects everything. It's not the ideal situation, but the rent is cheap.

[MediocreButArrogant]

Originally Posted by Malloric

Where I live we've been storing water for over a decade so we're not under any restrictions at all. It's just a basically normal year for us as far as muncipal water goes. Ag use is a different story. Politically, it's also having an impact on the tunnels.

In case people weren't aware, barely half of Sacramento homes have water meters. Those without meters can waste as much water as they want and no one will know.

[1AngryTaxPayer]

We already cut back 50% years ago and as a result they've raised prices through the roof.

[Ceece]

I'm just cutting the watering of my yard in half to start (every 3-4 days now) and will stop it entirely if I have to. I already take short showers and only run the washing machine and dishwasher when they are full. I guess I could not flush the toilet as often but they are low flow toilets anyway. I take my car to the car wash and don't run the hose for anything. There isn't a whole lot more I can do.

[eccotecc]

Ceece,

Have you ever thought of using gray water to water plants and shrubs? Gray water seems to be an overlooked source of liquid nourishment for plants.

[Wilson502]

Israel solves water woes with desalination

So if Israel can do this why cant CA? Oh thats right.... CA has NIMBY morons running the state.

[Bunjee]

Originally Posted by Wilson502

Israel solves water woes with desalination

So if Israel can do this why cant CA? Oh thats right.... CA has NIMBY morons running the state.

Little bit deceptive in the title. Israel solved much of its water need through a combination of conservation, reclamation (we've discussed this), and 35% of its water needs satisfied by desalination.

Desal also requires 10% of Israel's energy (we've discussed this too). That is big ticket. Considering we're not currently using a huge percentage of our current energy output on this technology, where would it be shifted from and who pays for it? It does no discussion any good to paint desalination as some magic bullet without talking about everything else.

[Wilson502]

Originally Posted by Bunjee

Little bit deceptive in the title. Israel solved much of its water need through a combination of conservation, reclamation (we've discussed this), and 35% of its water needs satisfied by desalination.

Desal also requires 10% of Israel's energy (we've discussed this too). That is big ticket. Considering we're not currently using a huge percentage of our current energy output on this technology, where would it be shifted from and who pays for it? It does no discussion any good to paint desalination as some magic bullet without talking about everything else.

Regardless, desal has much potential to mitigate droughts and deliver water to areas that currently rely on unsustainable imported water. Solar and Wind farms can be expanded to compensate if the desire is there. All I hear from CA is excuses. Seriously, if Israel can do it, CA sure as hell can, its just a matter of will, and removing the miles and miles of red tape.

[Bunjee]

Originally Posted by Wilson502

Regardless, desal has much potential to mitigate droughts and deliver water to areas that currently rely on unsustainable imported water. Solar and Wind farms can be expanded to compensate if the desire is there. All I hear from CA is excuses. Seriously, if Israel can do it, CA sure as hell can, its just a matter of will, and removing the miles and miles of red tape.

I agree, desalination can work. But don't ignore that in Israel it was a compound solution. 90% of its agricultural water is recycled. That seems the more significant factor to relieve need.

[Wilson502]

Originally Posted by Bunjee

I agree, desalination can work. But don't ignore that in Israel it was a compound solution. 90% of its agricultural water is recycled. That seems the more significant factor to relieve need.

There was an article recently showing just how antiquated water rights are in CA, and the fact the state cant even track all the water. There are many paths CA could take to address water concerns, but it prefers to build a train to nowhere and twittle their thumbs thinking about it.