Category Archives: Infrastructure

Infrastructure

Special Report From California Water Alliance

droughtThe California Water Alliance (CalWA) recently requested that the California Water Commission endorse Governor Brown’s commitment to the public to use dedicated water bond funds to build water storage facilities, considered to be a large reason why voters approved California’s water bond ballot measure last November.

Excerpted from the press release, according to California water alliance member Bittencourt, “We are in the fourth year of a crippling drought; each rainfall that passes through is a lost opportunity. Creating more reservoirs will protect the state from future disaster and should remain a top priority for the Governor, the legislature, and the Commission as it already is a top priority for Californians.”

The report goes on to say that 67% of voters passed Proposition 1 to fund water quality, supply, treatment and water storage projects.

Recent reports indicate that 80 % of California is experiencing “extreme drought”, creating third world living conditions for some residents in central California.

The California Water Alliance is calling on Governor Brown and the California Water Commission to enforce the promise of water storage be part of that program.  Click here to read the entire release.

Infrastructure, Rainwater Catchment

Harvested Rainwater Reduces Energy Consumption

Ancient Istanbul Water SystemUtilizing the rain that falls on the roof of a building is a simple concept that has provided water to buildings for centuries, and continues as the primary source in many locations in the United States and around the world.

In places such as Bermuda and the US Virgin Islands, the harvesting of rainwater is required by local codes for all new construction. Also, states such as Hawaii and Texas have or are developing design guidelines for rainwater harvesting systems. Additionally, San Juan County in Washington State has been issuing building permits with rainwater as the sole source of water for several years.

Harvested rainwater is free of most of the pollution typically associated with surface water runoff. Furthermore, using harvested rainwater both reduces peak storm water discharge velocities associated with impervious surfaces and reduces the draw on aquifers and municipal water supplies.  Collected rainwater does not have to be pumped up from a well or be conveyed from a distant central treatment facility. This reduces energy consumption, reduces the use of chemical treatment and disinfection as well as it is less disruptive to the natural hydrologic cycle.

On October 12, 2009 the Washington State Department of Ecology issued an Interpretive Policy Statement clarifying that a water right is no longer required for roof top collection. Since January 25, 2011, King County has adopted rainwater harvesting for potable use in single family residences as a supplemental water source. Other Washington State Counties have since adopted rainwater collection for potable use in single family residence as well.

Ancient Istanbul Water System courtesy of David Malloy

Infrastructure

Would You Drink Poop Water?

From Poop to Potable

Bill Gates challenged a group of engineers to come up with an affordable way to get rid of disease-spreading sewage in developing countries where getting rid of waste is too costly.  The engineers rose to the occasion and developed a process called Omniprocessor, which makes drinking water from sewage.

Gates says “The water tasted as good as any I’ve had out of a bottle. And having studied the engineering behind it, I would happily drink it every day. It’s that safe.”

Watch as Bill Gates gets Jimmy Fallon to drink water made from poop.