Report: California businesses can save enough water to provide for 3 major cities.

For the past 3 years, California has been struggling to find a solution to their shrinking water supply. With the population in California growing, the state must quickly find solutions. In February, Governor Schwarzenegger announced that there must be a 20% reduction on per capita use of water; something simple to strive to, but challenging to implement.

Using 21st century technologies and behavioral adjustments, companies have started to reduce water usage. For example, one golf course changed its irrigation practices, and saves an estimated $84,600 per year while also saving roughly 565 households worth of water.

By simply using water more wisely in businesses, one report reveals that enough water could be saved to supply Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco with water. The report determined the savings by estimating the amount saved from simple practices and technology upgrades, such as upgrading to more efficient washers, dishwashers, irrigation systems and restrooms.

Curricula Links:
Water: An Amazing and Precious Resource (American Government, Earth Science, Chemistry)
Water Resources of the United States (Biology, Earth Science)
The Debate Over Water Control (American History, American Government, Economics, Environmental Science