Droughts: The Creeping Phenomenon

The Canadian Drought Monitor defines droughts as a “creeping phenomenon.” They say droughts are “difficult to define and measure, slow to develop, continuous, cumulative, and long-lasting. [Further] there is no universally applicable tool for measuring drought; as impacts are non-structural, spread over large areas, and best described by multiple indices.”

According to the Monitor, about 40 percent of Canada and North America is facing abnormally to exceptionally high drought conditions. For facility managers in these areas, adopting and implementing water conservation and efficiency measures to cut down water use is now crucial.

Water conservation and efficiency are often used as synonyms, but they have different meanings. Understanding the difference can help facility managers reduce water use, save money, and prepare for future water challenges.

Amy Vickers, president of Amy Vickers & Associates, a water-related consulting firm in the U.S., explains water conservation as a “beneficial reduction in water loss, waste, or use.”

This usually means creating policies, programs, and practices that change how consumers use water during a drought. Simple actions like running the dishwasher only when it is full, turning off the tap when shaving or brushing teeth, and watering outdoor plants less often can be examples of water conservation.

Water efficiency, on the other hand, refers to long-term water reduction. Water efficiency reduces the amount of water used in a facility and reduces the amount of wastewater generated. Both help reduce the cost of water.

Ways to accomplish this are by installing water-efficient fixtures and appliances that can reduce the amount of water that goes down the drain. Adjusting irrigation frequencies can also help.

However, what is typically the most cost-effective step for facility managers wishing to become more water efficient is to install waterless urinals. These often cost less than conventional urinals and can save as much as 35,000 gallons of water per urinal each year.

As we can see, water conservation and efficiency are not the same thing, but they are both critical for managing our water resources wisely. By adopting both approaches, we can ensure enough water for our needs and address the many water-related issues the world is now grappling with.

Klaus Reichardt is CEO and founder of Waterless Co., Inc., pioneers in advancing water efficiency. Reichardt founded the company in 1991 with the goal of establishing a new market segment in the plumbing fixture industry with water efficiency in mind. Reichardt is a frequent writer and presenter on water conservation issues. He can be reached at [email protected] .