Johnson Controls Inc. | Art of the Possible - 36 States Expect Water Shortage


Today I heard a fact that's been stated many times: By 2013, just 4 short years from now, 36 states expect a water shortage. I’ve been thinking a lot about water for a new business strategy, so this time that point really gave me pause. Have you lived with the challenge of thinking about water – how much you use and whether to be concerned about its quality? Having lived in the Midwest part of the United States for several years, I frankly haven’t lived with this challenge. But many people in the United States do, and obviously, with 36 states preparing to come face to face with a water shortage, many more of us will have to think about it soon enough. So my question is, WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR? I vote for getting our focus on water now, before we are dictated or legislated to act. I vote that we think a few years down the road and implement some water saving strategies today, while we have the luxury of time. Californians are already out of time (and with their 3-year drought and declared State of Emergency, they are also out of water). They know what I am talking about. So what do I recommend? Get on the band wagon now. Water prices are going in one direction – up. This reminds me of the current-day gas crisis. After paying high gas prices, everyone wants a fuel efficient car. Why wait for a repeat with water?

Possibility: What if we all install water efficient faucets and showerheads? If you run a business, what about managing your water runoff to irrigate your landscape? With relatively simple measures, we are talking about savings the size of entire lakes, throughout the country. (And loads of energy savings from hot water heaters having to heat less water!)

Consider the possible…
Bruno

By Bruno Biasiotta, VP and GM, Solutions North America, Johnson Controls

Return to Solutions for your Building homepage.

North America

South America

Europe

Africa

Asia

Australia