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For their water conservation efforts, KSL believes Utahns deserve a collective pat-on-the-back. They proved this year they can get by with less water.
Think of it. The drought persisted. A poor spring runoff left reservoirs unfilled. The summer was long and hot and dry. Yet, Utahns responded magnificently to pleas for conservation and cut their water usage by 11-percent or 9 billion gallons.
To put it in perspective, the experts tell us 9 billion gallons would be enough water to meet the needs of the city of St. George for over ten months.
That, in a word, is commendable!
And it has taught all of us that we can get by with less. Aside from agriculture, few suffered unduly. Lawns, for the most part, remained green. Gardens grew. Cars got washed. Indoor uses were met. With only a minor blip here and there, life proceeded as usual.
It’s an important lesson. The state is about to enter a period of dramatic population growth. The demand for water will increase significantly in coming decades. Yet, in this semi-arid climate, the precious resource will remain limited to what Mother Nature graciously provides.
In short, using water wisely and getting by with less somehow needs to become the mindset. KSL calls on Utahns to let the conservation experience of 2002 become a foundation for adopting and maintaining wise water use habits in the future.
