When You Think Sustainability, Do You Think Water?

Carbon, dollars, fuel and food are big topics of conversation these days when it comes to sustainability. What seems to get pushed down on the list, however is a resource few in California (or anywhere else for that matter) can really afford to forget - and that is fresh water.

Piping or otherwise transporting it from great distances is expensive or downright cost prohibitive, so we rely on relatively local sources. Sure, LA pipes water all the way from up north and San Francisco gets water from the Sierra, but that's pretty much as far as the tether stretches and those sources are pretty much tapped out. Plus, just try floating the idea in Sacramento of another canal or pipeline or whatever. Ain't gonna fly these days.

So water and sustainability are really an inseparable pair, even if we often forget. Or get distracted.

In the Sonoma and Napa areas there's usually a lot of talk about water conservation at the beginning of summer or during prolonged droughts. We think it's important to make water conservation an everyday consideration. We use it everyday - using it wisely every time we turn on the tap needs to become a habit.

And it can - with just a little added attention and an eye towards sustainability.

• Create a personal water management philosophy
• Identify high consumption activities
(showers, watering lawn, washing clothes and dishes, etc.)
• Identify and practice water conservation actions
• Install water efficient equipment and fixtures

Want to connect with others interested in local sustainability issues and efforts?
:: Green Drinks Sonoma
:: Transition Sonoma Valley

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