Hawaii Conserving Water

At the rate Hawaii is going, in 20 years the state will be facing a 90 million gallon per day deficit of water. Although we cannot completely undo the damage already done, we can prolong the consequences. Hawaii citizens need to start conserving as much water as possible for the future. in 20 years, most of us will still be alive but there will not be water to sustain us.

They say that 'Ignorance is bliss' but in this case, the people's ignorance will lead to the demise of the state. The problem is that Hawaii's citizens are not fully aware of this current situation and the severe damages that it poses. The government should be taking action on this issue by making it known to the public. Now more than ever, people watch television at all times of the day. So, to educate the people, the government should invest in Public Service Announcements. These commercials should be broad casted on every major television channel. Each commercial should be targeted for certain age groups but also appropriate for each gender and every race. The Public Service Announcements should also be filled with the facts and importance of this problem that will effect everyone.

The Honolulu Board of Water Supply has been offering a $100 rebate on their website, a for every low flush toilet installed. The $100 rebate has an application that must be filled out and sent to the Honolulu Board of Water Supply by mail or hand. Most of the water bill comes from the toilet. Older toilets use about five gallons per flush compared to the new low flush toilets that only use 1.6 gallons per flush. By buying and installing a low flush toilet, you can help preserve the little water we have for the future and also save money every month on the water bill.

If the Public Service Announcements and $100 rebate on low flush toilets do not entice the public to start saving water, then the government should increase the price of water per gallon. People respond to money and when hey hear that the price of water will go up, they will hopefully use less. The supply and price is low but the demand is high. If the government raises the price, the demand will probably drop. Right now water is going for pennies a gallon and because it is so cheap, people do not worry about how much they are consuming. Water is being wasted in so many ways that we do not even notice it anymore. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply has many ways of water conservation for inside the home and outside.

There are so many ways that the state can conserve water. We all just have to invest our time and attention to this problem and help delay its effects on our state.

To get your opinion out there, email the Governor of Hawaii Linda Lingle and/or your local mayor.