Furthermore: Where the Headlines Take You

Old Black Water, Keep on Rollin'

Being a native to California, I can remember the water conservation programs growing up and the panic I would feel whenever I'd see water flowing unused.  When I moved to Oregon, I was overwhelmed by the lush, green landscape and the sheer amount of rain falling from the sky.  I felt the panic melt away figuring that with so much rain, we could never run out of water, right?  But clean, potable water is like every other resource on this planet, finite.  So super smart people are working out ways to do more with what we have.  For instance, this recent story from the Daily Journal of Commerce on how PDX is building an office building that will include a "lush, vibrant ecosystem thriving off human waste."  Before you say "ew" and close this window, this is some very important work being done.  Some say we are experiencing a global water emergency considering the fact that a billion people currently live without a safe water supply.*  And as the article states "black water", or sewage, is "one of the last frontiers in sustainability."  And this trailblazing is all happening here in Portland (I'm so proud!).

Want to know more about the complex issues around water?  Julian Caldecott has written a clear, easy-to-understand tome on the different scientific and sociocultural aspects around water resources and the problems we face.  Looking globally, Water: Life in Every Drop does an excellent job of explaining the science and interconnectivity of water - constantly reminding us of its importance.  At times, it is gut-wrenchingly painful as Caldecott describes the way water is being abused.  But as I require with all books that discuss a problem, he brings up ways we can restore balance. 

So now that you know more, what can you do in your own life to help reuse water?  How about becoming a water steward?  David Gershon writes a number of books on empowering yourself to live a greener life.  Water Stewardship focuses on water preservation and conservation, and gives concrete tools to making a meaningful difference. It also gives tips on how to broaden the scope beyond your household and into your community. 

The article talks about black water, which is something you don't want to be messing with, but there is another form of wastewater called "gray water" that can be reused.**  Gray water comes from things like laundry and bathing, and the Guerrilla Graywater Girls want to tell you more about how to work with it in their zine Guide to Water.  This group of pioneering woman took their home in a "noisy crack infested corner of Oakland" and turned it into a "beautiful oasis" using water from their shower.  Their guide includes some history of water infrastructure and easy-to-understand illustrated guides to the drinking water treatment process, waste water treatment centers and water treatment via nature.   There is also a nice section on plumbing basics. 

Personally, I can't wait to view the airport's new adminstrative building, with its "lush, vibrant ecosystem".  I know it's just one more way we are leading the way and making a difference out here in the Pacific Northwest! 

* Per the Natural Resources Defense Council
** The Oregon Revised Statutes regulate gray water in Chapter 454: Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems, Subchapter 454.610 Regulation of gray water discharge.  And Oregon's Building Codes Division recently put out a Oregon smart guide to Water Conservation systems that discusses the reuse of "gray water" for flushing toilets.