House of Buckets: Adapting to the Drought Crisis in California and ... Cats Don't Count But Showering Together Does

It's possible, if conditions worsen, to cut down to showering every other day and substituting with a sponge bath (out of yet another bucket, of course). But I'm keeping that ace up my sleeve until the need arises.

It seems blatantly obvious, but a simple plumbing leak will add up to serious water waste, drop by tiny drop. I can't believe anyone in their right mind lets the water run from the faucet while brushing their teeth, but we are reminded constantly not to commit that sin. That brings me to another apparently frequent practice I was unaware of until recently. This concerns people who are shy about having anyone hear embarrassing noises coming from behind closed bathroom doors, if you follow my meaning. These prim folks turn on the faucet in the sink or shower to mask the obvious. Believe it or not, there is an app for that! One can download an application to their cell phone that will mimic the sound of virtual running water to 'drown out' other personal sounds. Somehow, I think it would be considerably more embarrassing to end up with me pounding on the outside of the bathroom door, demanding that my guest stop wasting precious water, only to learn it was a recording.

While I'm on the topic of toilets, I acknowledge that it can be understandably objectionable, but there's wisdom in that saying, "If it's yellow, let it mellow; if it's brown, flush it down." Aside from landscaping, the bathroom is next on the list for high water use. Older toilets use about 3 gpf (gallons per flush; yes, there's a measurement for everything) while newer models use 1.28 - 1.6 gpf. Many people use their shower buckets to flush their toilets. It's strange to think that just one generation ago some of my ancestors grew up with outhouses and 'thunder mugs' as a part of their customary lifestyle, experiencing the transition to modern plumbing. How quickly we come to take things for granted and find concessions intolerable. Perhaps the squeamish could compromise and forego flushing overnight. I admit that I rather like the bonus of not having my beauty sleep interrupted when my husband gets up at night.

The editor of the newspaper regularly prints letters from subscribers who are eager to share ideas and solutions. These always grab my attention. One subscriber explained he keeps a jug with a tight-fitting lid, sturdy handle, and appropriately sized opening tucked discreetly behind his toilet to use as a urinal. He didn't say so, but I suspect he may be single … If it works for him, I applaud his efforts (even if it was a little too much information at the breakfast table).

Laundry is always limited to full loads. Thankfully, two people don't soil many clothes. I pity what larger families generate in the way of full hampers. Our society is accustomed to cleanliness, but truthfully, some outer wear could be worn more than once unless you've been really active.

For every California family that has been cooperative, or better yet pro-active by going above and beyond the call of duty by finding creative ways to adapt, there are still people demonstrating ostrich-like mentality by stubbornly refusing to accept or comply. One would think that keeping their heads buried in the hot, dry sand might be their first clue that the state is in serious trouble.

I am aware that there are people experiencing episodes of discouragement when all these efforts seem pointless and the situation hopeless. It is certainly disheartening to experience a fourth year of severe drought with no promise of relief, especially when we realize that it will take many consecutive years of above normal precipitation to recover. Needless to say, we face yet another season of potentially devastating fires. Vegetation is bone dry and water to douse the flames is scarce; fire danger is becoming a year-round concern. But making these changes does make a difference and it's within our power to survive.

Referring back to that first calculation of our personal water usage back in January 2014, how did we do with our goals after 18 months? Compared to our most current bill, Mike and I reduced our already below-average water consumption by an additional 56%. To put that in perspective, Governor Jerry Brown requested that everyone reduce their water use by 20% last year. This year it started at a mandatory 25%, but has been adjusted per city based on how well the population complied in 2014. Our city didn't meet last year's goals (using 191.6 gcpd in September 2014, for example) and is presently expected to reduce by 32% compared to the benchmark year of 2013.

So, with a mighty drumroll, here's where our household presently stands regarding conservation efforts. The last billing cycle showed that we were down to 46.75 gcpd. Our all-time low was 31 gcpd, but we had an assist from Mother Nature with some much appreciated rain for that time period. Our lifestyle has transformed with growing awareness. Seeing buckets everywhere and having them handy keeps us mindful; weight and volume are no longer abstractions. One cannot truly appreciate how many gallons of water passes down the drain without those buckets. But watching them fill up and physically feeling the weight (8.34 lbs. per gallon) as I carry them outside to water plants has made a lasting impression. There are some aspects of water conservation that I believe will become lifetime changes for us.

*Pampered Plants, by Roberta McReynolds

Pages: 1 · 2 · 3 · 4

Home and Shopping, News and Issues, Home, Garden, Issues, Senior Women Web, Articles, Sightings, Roberta McReynolds, Authors, What's New Add comments

House of Buckets: Adapting to the Drought Crisis in California and ... Cats Don't Count But Showering Together Does

More Articles