Humans need water. We need it readily at our fingertips daily. From the start of human settlement, we made the choice to live at its source or divert it to our location. Mayan aqueducts were an we example examined. Romans are also glorified for their water delivery systems still in place. Any issue with water delivery or flow begs for engineering, does it not? Others have successfully maintained water supply. Perhaps attention should be directed to those solutions?
Permaculture, greywater use systems, rainwater collection, conscious conservation, and a myriad of ingenious products exist at our internet savvy fingertips. Taking the time to consider such acts to cooperate and contribute to this planet seems like a basic way to display gratitude and compassion for the other humans trying to survive this place.
While I initially felt greywater systems should be installed in every home, the honest caveats presented gave me pause. After considering the complexities of greywater systems, I don't think it's something I want to take on nor would I recommend it as a right for all landowners. I think it would be prudent for the government to allow greywater systems while enforcing inspections and particular codes to be followed.
Conversely, my belief in my right to collect the waters that fall from heaven remains. Some concerns regarding insects and water held too long turning a bit stagnant should be addressed. Water can collect on your property without your knowledge and homeowners should take responsibility for such things. Maintaining a rainwater collection barrel safely is well within the layperson's skillset.
Put your fears aside, water barrens! I am especially encouraged that watering my garden does not effect water levels downstream. The fears of those holding water rights facing a reduction in water are unfounded. It makes sense when you consider that rain barrels only delay the water's natural course but science has also proven rain barrels not to change the amount of water runoff.
I grew up in northern California under serious drought conditions. We didn't flush the toilet. We took 5 minute showers (with a timer). We were encouraged to catch greywater warming a shower to flush the toilets. We were encouraged to catch and use rain water to water our gardens. It is mind boggling to hear Coloradans complain that there is a drought in Colorado (there is no history of drought in Colorado, remember?) and so we must use water from the water treatment plants. Doesn't this serve only the water treatment plants who are selling us the water?!
Work Cited
"Roman Aqueducts, Aqueducts in Rome." Rome.info. Rome Italy Travel Guide, 02 Apr. 2016. Web. 02 Apr. 2016.
