Sustainable solutions proposed for statewide drought

A week into the state’s first official drought since 1991, Californians are scrambling for solutions on how to save water. Rather than relying “heavily on outdated strategies” like building new dams for water storage, the Planning and Conservation League is urging Governor Schwarzenegger to “embrace measures that will allow California to grow without increasing demand on already over-allocated water sources.”

The PCL’s proposed plan emphasizes conservation, watershed restoration, and pumping water back into aquifers to be stored underground. If properly funded, such methods could produce several million acre-feet of water, according to the PCL.

By cutting back on your own water use at home, you can help reduce runoff (the biggest source of pollution for our coastal waterways and ocean). Here’s a few ways to save:

* Clean your driveways and sidewalks with a broom instead of a hose. (Saves more than 600 gallons a month.)

* Adjust your sprinklers so that water lands on your lawn and/or garden – rather than the sidewalks, driveway, and gutter. (Saves 500 gallons a month.)

* As you’re waiting for tap water to warm up, catch the flow in watering can and use it later to water your house plants or garden. (Saves up to 300 gallons a month.)

Links:

The Planning and Conservation League’s Water Policy Program:
http://www.pcl.org/projects/waterprojects.html

Water Conservation Tips:
http://www.grover.org/water.html

LADWP’s Drought Busters Program (for reporting water waste):
http://www.ladwp.com/ladwp/cms/ladwp009949.jsp

LADWP’s Water-Saving Tips and Guide to Prohibited Water Use:
http://www.ladwp.com/ladwp/cms/ladwp009868.pdf