The time to prepare for drought and water shortage is NOW, if not 10 years ago

 Several recent articles in the Marin Independent Journal have already said it. Drought conditions are getting more frequent and as the population increases, water is becoming more scarce. Our government must act before it reaches a crisis. 

The prospect of ongoing water crises demands more permanent solutions. "Water, water, every where, ...Nor any drop to drink." will soon be a full chorus from water suppliers around the world. There are already cities and counties singing the tune. The words of the Ancient Mariner also point the way to our solution, made possible by technology: the ocean (or lake, river, bay - whatever constant source of water is available nearby). 

Technology CAN desalinate and purify the available water to drinking water standards. The impediments are politics and money. Potable water is a requirement for life; without it, everything dies (except a few lifeforms that will inherit the Earth after we perish). A water distribution infrastructure is more essential to life than roads, airports, bridges, petroleum products, and other luxuries of modern life. Obviously, the solution is easier said than done. But surely it’s better than praying for rain, while imposing increasingly stringent water use regulations. Climate change is real. We need to take bold steps to mitigate its damage.

Katie Rice

Sen Mike McGuire

Senator Jared Huffman

Assemblymember Marc Levine

Reuse bathwater with a recirculation, reheating, filtration, and disinfectant system

With the drought predictions and water rationing proposals here in California, I've been considering the unnecessary wastefulness of emptying a bathtub down the drain after every use.

If building codes were modified to allow a system of recirculation pump, water reheater, purification system, and filter, then people could briefly shower, then get in the bathtub to soak, then soap down in the shower before a quick final rinse.

It is common practice in Japan to heat the water in a tub, maintain the temperature, and use it for the whole family's bath. No soap or dirt is allowed in the tub. A shower to soap up, shampoo, and rinse prior to entering the tub is mandatory in homes and in the many public and private spas.

With the addition of a filter to remove skin cells, hair, and other small debris, and suitable purification by UV and/or chemicals to kill any microorganisms, the water could be reused for days or even weeks. This is already done with outdoor spas; people do not change their spa water very often.

I'm recommending building codes be modified to allow a similar system in a residence, but requiring electric heating only, preferably solar, to avoid air pollution and CO2 production.