Link to article:
http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/0/93A51723CE20B18525793D004E0347
Link to picture:
http://irrigationsystemmelbournefl.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Irrigation-System-Melbourne-FL.gif
Caption to picture: This is the current and typical irrigation system for farms and larger areas of land.
SUMMARY: As of today the EPA confirmed that they had created an irigation system that would allow any commercial or private residence to save about 410 million dollars a year on irigation and water bills. Shelia Frace the EPA director said, "As much as half of the water we use on our landscapes goes to waste..." Not only will this help save money but it will save water because upwards of 7 billion gallons of water are used for landscaping reasons. This system is WaterSense approved, and will be available for purchase by Spring 2012. It is so far the only system that is WaterSense approved and EPA approved.
OPNION: My opinion of this system is that it will save a lot of water for everyone and it will also help cut back on money spent. I also find it shocking how much water we waste on watering our lawn basically, I mean I can understand doing this when you have a garden that you can get food from. But when you are just watering grass it seems really wasteful. Finally I think that it is really good that the EPA is making it known that we are wasting water, like we learned Gandhi said, "There is enough water for human need, but not enough for human greed."
QUESTIONS:
1) Do you think that watering you lawn is wasteful or a requirement?
2) What would you do if we ran out of water because it had all been used?
3) About how many gallons of water does you family use on landscaping?
4) Are there any other WaterSense Appliances?
I think this is a great way to help the environment. It will conserve water, while helping you save money on your bills as well! It was a bit surprising to see how much water is truly wasted on a regular basis, but I can't say I'm shocked because I know my neighborhood itself a lot of my neighbors care about their lawn and gardens. I have to agree some people are dedicated to have healthy gardens and perfect lawns, which is good to make the environment look nicer, but it also very wasteful.like we have seen in the past few blogs that the EPA is really trying to make a difference, but of course they need a lot of help in doing so, because even when every little thing helps, it can't make a huge difference until a lot of people pitch in.
ReplyDeleteQuestions:
1) Do you think that watering you lawn is wasteful or a requirement?
I don't think it is a requirement, but it might be suggested in some cases. If water is available, yes you can use it in a decent amount to keep things looking healthy, however if not to much is available I don't think neighbors or such would appreciate the wastefulness.
2) What would you do if we ran out of water because it had all been used?
Not to seem like a know it all, but I recall from class that Mrs. Deluca taught us that water is not a replaceable substance but, it also never lessens in world. The water goes through a cycle where no matter how much we used it is still on the earth, and a matter a fact we could be drinking water that was in lakes and rivers over a hundred year ago! However the only time water lessens is when it is taken away from the planet, an example would be if it was taken in space for astronauts to use or for other purposes.
3) About how many gallons of water does you family use on landscaping?
I honestly cannot give you a number in gallons but I will say, even though my family has a large garden we only have plants that come back every year through seasons. This helps us conserve water because we only need to water them a few times in the beginning of June and the rest is taken care of. As for grass we have a landscaper who mows our lawn but, as far as I know the landscaper does not add excess water to our grass.
First of all, the fact that this plan is going to save $410 million dollars is insane! I just want to know why they did not decide to do this plan earlier! I also agree that sometimes just watering your lawn is wasteful. I do know that sometimes, during a drought, a township strongly encourages people to not use their sprinklers or water their grass. Basically, they might not want them to use any exess water or other water that they do not need.
ReplyDeleteTo answer question #2, if we ran out of water, we would all die. Unless scientists in the future figure out how to survive without water (find an alternative) which is very unlikely, maybe we could survive on that. But if it were to happen right now, I believe we would all die. Personally, I simply enjoy drinking water and drink AT LEAST one glass per day.
And another question of my own, what does the actual system/rule say?
With the economy being so low, cost is always an issue. The fact that this plan will save 410 million dollars is extremely pleasing to everyone and makes them want to look deeper into it. Due to the fact that over half the water in our landscape goes to waste, it shows us that we need to be more aware of the amount of water we use, and if its actually necessary.
ReplyDeleteTo answer number 1, i don't think that it is necessary to do so. With the rain and sunlight, the lawn will grow by itself just by natural means. The extra water is not necessary.
question- Who made up the plan?
is the 410 dollars its gonna save an estimate or a guarantee?
Do you think Americans waste too much water on stupid things?
This is a very good thing that the EPA has made! The amount of water and the amount of money comanies will save is astonishing! I would have never though that 7 billion or more gallons were used for landscaping!
ReplyDeleteTo answer question one, I don't think it is necessary to water our lawns. There are many places in thoe country that put regulations on what days to water their lawns and fill pool and such, because they are in a place with very little water. One day one side of the street can water for about an hour and the next day the other side of the street can do what they need for an hour.
questions-
1. How much money would the average family save if they invested in this irrigation system?