FYI, we're in the middle of one of the worst droughts the U.S. has ever seen. The screenshot above from U.S. Drought Monitor shows just how widespread and severe it is.
Living in Maine, I wasn't entirely aware of the severity of the drought until I visited a friend in Lancaster, Kentucky a few weeks ago. They hadn't seen any significant rain in more than a month, and the cornfields surrounding my friend's house -- stretching for miles on either direction -- were full of dead corn. The grass on the lawn crunched under our steps. It was dry. And this isn't limited to Kentucky -- a quick glimpse at the map above shows that many parts of the country are actually in much worse shape than Lancaster (which, according to the key, is in "moderate to severe" drought).
Now, we can be fairly certain that this drought is related to climate change. We can also be sure that any serious efforts to tackle water consumption in the U.S. and worldwide will have to address larger issues than how we brush our teeth. We'll need to address agricultural and industrial processes, we'll need to start taking climate change seriously on a policy level, we'll need to address our curious American habits like building golf courses in deserts, and on and on.
That said, if you're the type of person who likes to do what you can do -- however small the impact -- you can address the water consumption of your own home.
How?
- Landscape with native vegetation.
- Collect rainwater to water plants with.
- Insulate your water pipes to get hot water quicker.
- Switch to low flow showerheads and faucet aerators.
- Keep a water bottle in the fridge to avoid running the faucet longer.
- Try putting a "tank bank" or "float booster" in your toilet tank to reduce the amount of water used when you flush.
- Use your water meter to check for leaks in the house.
- Eat less meat. It takes 150 gallons of water to make one 1/3 lb hamburger.
Of course, these are just a few of the ways that you can save water at home. You can also send a letter to your representatives in Congress telling them to do something about climate change -- a small effort that would likely do more to mitigate drought than any single in-home behavioral change you make.
Is there anything that you do in your own home to cut back on your home's water consumption? Let us know in the comments.
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