Hello Everyone!
As I look through the talk about global water issues, one thing never fails to stand out: Bad solutions. Solutions that are so stupid, that one doesn't know where to begin in pointing out their flaws.
In 2007, much of the Southeastern US experienced the worst drought in decades. And it goes without saying that most of these states are not known for being quick to adopt water conservation measure, water recycling and such. However Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue had an idea: Pray for rain. Or more specifically to hold prayer meetings on the steps of the State Capitol. Of course, this wouldn't have necessarily bad such a terrible idea. If the Governor had done his praying in a manner that didn't violate the First Amendment. And if he had actually added some practical measures to the plan. For example environmentalists had long pushed for a limit on drilling new wells, and the state government didn't do it.
Another example of bad water saving strategies came in a chapter of Anita Roddick's book "Troubled Waters" where in the final chapter she describes the following four ideas "creative and noble" attempts to overcome water shortages.
1) A family in the US bought a king sized water bed which contains 1,500 liters of drinking water in the case of any temporary shortages.
2) Many residents of Warsaw shower during the evenings, because water rates are lower during those hours.
3) People in Kunming China put metal boxes with locks on their outdoor taps to prevent water theft.
4) Hungarian farmers raise pigs and goats instead of cows because the former require less water.
Do these solutions make any sense to you? What's wrong with any of these pictures? Personally, I would describe these solutions.
1) Stupid: So the family buys a king sized water bed and plans to use it in the event of shortages? For one thing a water bed is an energy hog which is not good for the water situation either directly or indirectly. Don't they know that there are cheaper, more earthquake proof, and more practical ways to have an emergency water supply? Or that a shortage time might not be the best time to dismantle one's bed? Or that if they have to leave home with it, carrying the bed wouldn't make things easier?
2) Irrelevant: If Warsaw residents shower at night for a lower rate they are probably saving money. I've heard of it being done in other places including the US at various times. Admirable frugality, but ultimately little to do with even conserving water let alone coping with serious shortages.
3) Sad: If people in Kunming, China find it necessary to lock up their taps to prevent water from being stolen. Basically this says that some people are desperate enough for water, that they would "steal" from somebody else's tap if they had a chance. While, the price of water and relatively poverty in much of China, might make it unfair to condemn people for this practice, it is a tragic situation that water would literally be kept "under lock and key", like that.
4) Far from original: The idea of raising goats and pigs rather than cattle to save water is a well known tactic, and nothing new.
Also remember that notion in the 80's that in order to save water, it would be desirable to wear disposable paper clothing, and use paper plates and cutlery rather than spend the water and detergents washing clothes and dishes? It turns out that doesn't work out so well when one considers the large amounts of water that go into making paper and plastic.
But as usual the worst ideas about solving water problems tend to be the large scale ones. Perhaps the most talked about has been privatization, which turned out to be a disaster in a number of places. Also water privatization has got its foot into the US in recent years. If privatization is a bad idea, certainly it is an even worse idea for companies such as AIG to get into the business of owning water utilities. What is the hydrological equivalent of a credit default swap? Nothing good, I'm sure.
The worst idea for solving water however, would be fighting wars over access to it. Yet, many have expressed the fear it may happen in the 21st century. And in that case the worst idea of all would be having a nuclear war over water. (Kind of defeats the purpose doesn't it?) But unfortunately some concerns have been raised over water conflicts between India and Pakistan, both of which have nuclear weapons.
Be on the alert for other bad ideas. And.
Say Goodnight Readers!
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