As a New Year brings forth a time of reflection and resolution, we tend to focus on tasks like losing weight, traveling overseas or calling our mothers more often. I ask you to consider one more: resolve to take concrete steps to conserve water and become a better steward of our water for the future.
Many states in the southwest, such as California and Texas, are already struggling with water shortages. My home state of Colorado struggles with water allocation and the growing demand for water on the Front Range. Even states like Georgia and Florida are facing historic water shortages. Water restrictions have become commonplace in these states and others. The EPA estimates that 36 states will have water shortages by 2013. In light of this growing challenge, we all need to take steps to use water more responsibly.
As a matter of full disclosure, I’m the Vice President for Sales and Marketing at KISSS America, the U.S.-based manufacturer of the most efficient and effective irrigation system in the world. KISSS Below Flow™ products deliver water directly to the root zone, eliminating wasteful run off and overspray. KISSS products save between 50 and 77 percent over conventional irrigation. That’s worth taking a look at our products and implementing KISSS where you can. View the complete product line at www.kisssusa.com. However water conservation transcends a single product or idea.
Even if you don’t use KISSS, take the initiative and DO SOMETHING! In addition to taking responsible measures inside your home and office, you can take significant steps to reduce the water you use to irrigate landscapes.
For example, implementing “smart” controller technology can dramatically reduce water consumption; adding electronic timers or soil moisture sensor capabilities will further improve water savings. If you can’t afford to add these capabilities, make sure you only water your landscape when you need to and turn your sprinklers off when it has rained.
Moreover, be accountable to yourself, your neighborhood, community and office. Become a gadfly! When I’m driving through my local communities, and I see rivers of water running down the street or sprinklers irrigating in the rain, I call the local community. I have them on speed dial, they love me! Become an advocate for this critical resource. When you go to your son or daughter’s soccer game on a Saturday, and the fields are a marsh due to overwatering, let your club and community know that the situation is unacceptable. When your neighbor’s sprinklers are watering more of the driveway than the yard, give them a gentle reminder. Ask your business or government organization what measures they are taking to reduce water consumption. Most of all, let them know that “business as usual” is unacceptable!
Population will continue to grow in desirable communities, and there’s no end in sight to drought conditions. Every action we can take to reduce our consumption today saves even more in the future so start today!
I wish everyone a prosperous and safe year!
To learn more about the water saving capabilities of KISSS, email me at savewater@kisssusa.com or go to www.kisssusa.com.