I used to think water conservation was a fool’s plan, but now I prefer to know I have water available for the next month, so I’m glad water restrictions are still in effect.
Some would say the storms in the area last week were a godsend. Unfortunately, rain does not always equal drought relief, so it’s imperative that we continue our water conservation efforts. Local lakes and reservoirs are at normal levels, but this could only be temporary – we may not see rain for the next few weeks.
With significant development and a population boom, the city of Raleigh demands more water than ever before. As a major consumer of water, the University is striving conserve, and water restrictions are definitely the way to go. Meteorology is hit-or-miss in its predictions, so we can’t always count on its predictions. With the summer heat, water reserves are more stressed than ever.
Water is in high demand – when something’s in demand and its supply fluctuates, it’s best to err on the side of caution. To ensure we all have access to water, students should continue doing their part in the University’s conservation efforts.
Ideas like the water conservation challenge between N.C. State and UNC-Chapel Hill are good ways to encourage saving water. According to Kim Orlowski, energy conservation coordinator, N.C. State reduced their consumption by 29 per cent while UNC-Chapel Hill reduced their consumption by 24 per cent, reduced their water use by 11 million gallons.
Tracy Dixon, the director of the sustainability office, said the University is taking great efforts to reduce water consumption and trying to reuse as much water as possible.
According to Dixon water recapture efforts include recycling rain water, collecting condensation from heating and cooling systems and changing to low-flow shower heads and toilets. She recommended students do full loads of laundry, take shorter showers, report water leaks and turn off faucets when not in use.
Students’ pockets can’t bear any extra expenses. Conservation should be practiced at all times. It’s always possible there will be a resource shortage with little warning – just look at gas prices.
Raleigh should prepare as though drought is always a problem to keep in mind. We need to end the poor practice of wasting vital resources without good reason.
Students should assume that any wasted water equals an increase in living expenses. People should know that their daily practices impact others – if we all took three showers a day, we’d all be out of drinkable water in a matter of months. In the meantime, students should assume every drop of water matters.
E-mail Mansoor your thoughts on conservation to [email protected].
