Several years ago I gave a keynote address at one of our Conventions in Las Vegas. The topic of the presentation was “The Upcoming Water Crisis with Los Angeles at the Epicenter”. My presentation was, in large part, highlighted by an article by Professor Mark Bird from the Community College of Southern Nevada which was published in 2006.
Both availability and quality of Water are critical components of our modern society, so this must be taken seriously. Al Meder
Professor Bird’s article skillfully traced the water availability and usage of water in the southwestern states and factored in the impact of population increase. Much of the water used by Los Angeles and surrounding states, is distributed from the Colorado River, and the distribution to each state was based on a compact reached in 1922. That year there was an unusually high volume of water available and it did not reflect the real world in the subsequent years. On top of that it was shown that the states were taking more than 100% of their allocated share of the water. Lake Mead near Las Vegas was the main reservoir for this water and in recent weeks there has been published reports again of the impending water shortage disaster. The level of water in Lake Mead has dropped dramatically in recent years. Other lakes and reservoirs have almost dried up.
http://youtu.be/q95JKZN1MK0
Weather patterns certainly change and in recent years California has experienced serious droughts. I recall several years ago driving by the San Luis Reservoir in Central California. I was totally shocked at how low the reservoir level was. The water shortage is for real. Water is a critical component of our modern society, so this must be taken seriously and solutions found. Today California has “Water Police” who fine persons wasting water. And for several years buyers of new homes in Las Vegas must acknowledge that they are not guaranteed water availability prior to signing a purchase agreement. It has been shown that when water availability drops the water quality drops with it. Well owners are aware of this issue in times of drought. Some jurisdictions are even looking to turn sewage back to drinking water. Some counties in south western states have banned the use of water softeners and reverse osmosis systems due to water wastage. In California, you will pay a $500 fine for the wasteful use of water.
But we all need safe drinking water. And the quality of our drinking water can have a impact on our health. Carbon filters and water distillation are two processes that do not waste water. Of the two, water distillation provides the higher quality drinking water and should be the preferred choice.