Where Does the Water Go and Why Does It Matter

In the hot summer months, water and energy consumption can increase dramatically as businesses and individuals respond to the heat by applying more water to yards and landscapes. Hoses and sprinkler systems are opened up with the primary consideration given to the increase seen on the water bill. However, water as a number of interdependent relationships to consider.

As a sustainability consultant, we encourage clients and friends to consider the resulting impacts of all actions. In a recent post, The Water/Energy Link, we discuss how water and energy are intrinsically related; energy is needed to transport and deliver water while generating power requires massive quantities of water. There are opportunities to conserve both resources simultaneously. In fact, the U.S. EPA has quantified the water/ energy savings opportunity: equating 1 gallon of water to approximately 4 watt hours of power.

In addition to conservation, working with individuals as a green living consultant we also focus on prevention due to the fact that water has a link back to itself. The decisions made about what goes down the drain and on the lawn and garden can affect the water quality of nearby rivers and streams.   The U.S. EPA provides some good suggestions:

•    Use fertilizers sparingly and sweep up driveways, sidewalks and gutters
•    Plant ground cover in bare spots in your yard
•    Never dump anything down storm drains or in streams
•    Take your car to the car wash instead of washing it in the driveway
•    Pick up after your pet

With a desire to choose a more sustainable lifestyle, there are tools and resources available to raise eco awareness, to become more informed on issues, and to implement solutions that meet unique situations. At Taiga Company, we have a professional consultant ready to help build a personal sustainability plan or simply integrate a sustainability concept like water management into a more sustainable lifestyle.