Category Archives: Environment

Environment

Water Stress Increase

The rise in population along with climate change, influences water stress.

According to an article in American Water Works Association, the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service will modernize its research from 2011 explaining the correlation between watershed health and drinking water supplies.

Sally Claggett, program coordinator for the US Forest Service in Annapolis, MD, writes “Land‐use decisions related to water will become more important as the earth becomes more populated. In the United States, populations continue to grow, which means a larger urban footprint and more water needed for agricultural, industrial, and household uses in the country. So as pressure for clean water increases, land conversion and climate change also apply pressure on the resource. As the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service (USFS) and partners embark on an update to the 2011 Forests to Faucets analysis, the aim is to promote better understanding of the connection between natural landscapes, water quality, and water availability with an eye to the future.”

As populations increase and climate change continues, so does demand for water, inducing water stress.

Click here to read more about the research and scope of study.

Environment, Sustainability

An Earth Day Reminder

Earth Day is a celebration of our planet and a reminder to practice sustainability every day.

Earth Day, for me, is a time for reflection of accomplishments and future goals in our stewardship of our planet.

Suggested Goals:

To stimulate progressive action in conservation of our natural habitat.

To encourage others to adopt sustainable practices of our limited resources.

To pledge involvement and commitment of ourselves in improving awareness and policy.

To teach others the benefits, socially and economically of sustainability.

To work with all to protect our earth.

 

After all it is up to us as inhabitants.

Environment, Infrastructure

Conservation Considerations

Construction projects throughout the Pacific Northwest are incorporating conservation practices and rainwater harvesting into their designs in order to meet new stormwater management requirements set by city, state, and federal mandates.

Conservation practices such as Green Building Certifications, Leadership in Energy and Environment Designs (LEED), and The Living Building Challenge are being asked of architects, designers, and contractors.

Environment, not cash, encourages conservation, according to UCLA researchers when asking families to save electricity. The same is true when water is the topic of conservation, mostly because savings are minimal compared to the low cost of municipal water. However, considering the costs of designing and implementing infiltration as compliance with local stormwater / drainage codes, with little benefit to the developer, costs can become part of the equation.

Rainwater harvesting is an integral part of conservation when used effectively. Irrigation typically requires a large amount of storage lending itself to more of a commercial application.

Water closets and laundry facilities supplied by rainwater can be an effective use of rainwater for both commercial and residential usage with limited storage amounts and treatment. Together they account for approximately 48% of household usage according to the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and can often be enough mitigation to meet drainage requirements. With filtration and disinfection rainwater can be used as a supplementary source to municipal water or as a “sole source” supply for those who meet hardship requirements from county health and planning departments. Water quality is exceptional when designed and installed properly by an approved designer/installer.

Rainwater harvesting for beneficial use plays an important role in conservation by minimizing groundwater decline while improving our aquifers. It conserves and prevents surface water runoff, minimizing pollutants from entering our bodies of water. Rainwater harvesting bypasses the centralized water system, conserving energy. A decentralized water system reduces demands of our municipal water supplies. When properly designed, and treated, rainwater can be a sustainable, viable source of water for many uses while preserving our supplies for future generations.