They say the growing water crisis is a problem of distribution, not supply: by 2025, an estimate 2.5 billion people will face water shortages worldwide, while other populations around the globe have oriented themselves around virtually limitless supplies of fresh water. And for some, it’s not a question of geography, but time: one day water is rushing into gutters and out to sea, and a few months later, the same areas are carefully metering their tap use.
Here in Washington, Governor Inslee has already declared a drought emergency for Okanogan, Methow and the Upper Yakima. With snowpack at 80% of normal levels and the state experiencing its fourth driest March since 1895, even the Emerald City may start to have to worry about its water in the near future.
Which is why I always feel like such a goofball hosing down my garden from my faucet, sometimes just a week after I’ve hunkered down inside to escape a deluge. It’s had me eyeing rain barrels and other catchment systems for a while.
And that, in turn, is why I was glad to see that Infiniti Real Estate (4258 Fremont Ave N) is hosting a free design session on rainwater catchment systems this Saturday, May 18th, from 3 – 5 pm:
Come by Infiniti Real Estate & Development (4258 Fremont Ave N) to mingle with neighbors and learn about rainwater systems for your home and garden.
Jake Harris from Stone Soup Gardens will be on hand to talk about various residential rainwater catchment applications while you enjoy drinks and bites.
Come Learn….
- Cisterns and Tanks
- Irrigation for your garden
- Greywater systems
- Rainwise Program & Rebates
- Creating Habitat & reducing downstream pollution
- Rainwater catchment for toilets & laundry
Happy Hour drinks and snacks provided!
Fittingly, the weather report for Saturday calls for showers.
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Fun fact: If you look at your sewer bill, it’s probably almost double what your water bill is because they’re paying for that expensive storage tunnel in Ballard. Your sewer bill is based on your water consumption from November to March, to factor out water you use watering stuff (that doesn’t go into the sewer). So, if you want to save money, you need to figure out how to limit water use in the winter months. Stuff like grey water toilet flushing and limiting showers will make a much bigger difference to the bottom line than irrigating with a rain barrel.