#water-conservation

#water-conservation

A water line was damaged Wednesday in Benicia, leading the city to call for an immediate reduction in water use. The city issued a stage 4 critical water shortage alert, which requires a 40% cutback in water use citywide. It applies to all residents, schools, businesses, community organizations and other facilities. Residents can conserve water by running dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads, limiting showers to no more than five minutes, and stopping all non-essential water use.

On paper, it doesn't sound too dramatic; 1999 remains the record holder, clocking in at a parched 3.9 inches, but compared to the usual 14 inches that Gotham expects, this summer was bone-dry. If you were convinced otherwise by September's freak flash floods, you're not alone. Those torrents actually gave us the second-wettest in city history, but when you zoom out, short, intense storms don't add up to a replenished summer.

The proposed 'progressive' water tariffs in the UK aim to charge households higher rates based on water consumption to promote conservation amidst rising water bills.

This "sustainable and simple yet powerful practice not only conserves water and reduces one's footprint, but also helps protect nature and secure the future," says Chandrima Debi.

Conservation and horticulture groups say year-round low-mowing while selectively leaving native plants to grow can save huge amounts of drinking water and lead to lasting and impactful ecological changes.

"Overall, we are not doing nearly enough to develop wastewater recycling in the seven states that are part of the Colorado River Basin," said Noah Garrison.