Water shortage is not a "third world" problem.
In late September, the Environmental Protection Department of the State of Georgia declared a Level 4 drought response across the northern third of the state, which immediately banned most types of outdoor residential water use. However, the drought did not draw much attention until pictures of a dry lakes and reports on a tri-state water fight were publicized.
Lake Lanier, GA (at a normal time/during a water crisis)
Water levels go up and down...it's only natural, right? What's so special about this Georgia Water Crisis?
1. The drought affects economic and political stability in the southeast.
Lake Lanier in North Georgia supports a $5.5 million economy (mainly recreational) and provides household water supply to around 5 million Georgians. In addition, water from the Alabama-Georgia border flows into Florida through the Chattahoochee Basin and Apalachicola Bay. For this reason, Georgia urged the Army Corps of Engineers, who controlled the rate at which Georgia water enters Florida, to implement a slower release. Florida opposed to Georgia's proposal because a slower release of water could potentially hurt commercial fishing along the Florida Panhandle and threaten an endangered mussel species. As of Nov 2, the Bush administration has agreed to allow the Army Corps to curb water flow from Georgia to Florida.
There is nothing new about this water war. In fact, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida have been in a legal battle over water for almost two decades. Still, Alabama and Georgia have yet to directly address the issue by regulating water usage. The Level 4 drought that is currently affecting 1/3 of the southeast is only amplifying these unattended issues.
2. The drought is going to last until...
There is actually no answer to when the drought will end. The Southeast Climate Consortium, held by a few universities in the region, released a report that shows a possible climate shift to warmer and drier spring and winter seasons caused by the La Niña effect. As the impacts of La Niña become more pronounced, the drought is expected to extend into southeast regions of Georgia. Also, climate models anticipate a few even drier seasons. A major concern raised by these universities was that even if Georgia survived this dry winter and a drier spring, the state would not have any water reserve left for summer 2008.
3. Influences on the Locals
The 5-million population Lake Lanier is providing water supply to is definitely suffering. Farmers are harmed as well, as the drought will result in smaller harvest this year. The average citizen will be receiving more expensive water bills, or is being affected by water quota if he or she lives in north Georgia. Lucrative recreational activities and eco-tourism supported by the Georgia lakes are also suffering.
Some of my friends actually think there is no need to worry about not having water in Georgia because water will never run out. No, it's not true. Water, like many other natural resources, has a finite supply. 5.5 BILLION PEOPLE IN THE WORLD TODAY ARE SUFFERING FROM WATER SHORTAGE. If you think water goes through a conserved cycle and will never run out, it only adds one more reason to save water for those who are suffering on the other side of the planet. If we ever run out of water, it won't even be a feasible option to transport water from elsewhere because it will be too costly. Moreover, the transported water is probably someone else's commodity or some legal issues will be preventing the transportation from happening. What does that imply? More resource wars.
Why do I care? I'm not even from Georgia. Environmentally speaking, I am a local. I contribute to emissions in Georgia by choosing between carpooling with friends and riding the Marta, eating local or imported foods. Of course, I drink Georgia water, too. With drought-caused crop failure, I won't be able to eat sustainable and local food. Even though industries consume more water than all households and individuals, every bit of conservation efforts adds up. With this in mind, everyone who is present in Georgia now is responsible for conserving water.
Conserve, conserve, conserve (at the personal level):
- Turn off the tap when you're brushing your teeth
- Take shorter showers
- Make an agreement with your roommates--no flushing unless necessary; "if it's yellow, let it mellow"
- Plant drought-resistant species in your yard/garden
- Thaw frozen foods in the fridge instead of running tap water
- Remind your co-workers, friends, and family to save water
- DRINK BOTTLED WATER
Yes, drink bottled water (if you can afford it). A plastic bottle still takes 500 days to decompose in a landfill.
But, it is important for individuals to be make rational decisions. At this point, we really need to do what we can to help. We could find alternative energy sources to supplement/substitute fossil fuel. When water runs out, there is little we can do. Encouraging others to drink bottled water is not promoting double standard. Rather, it is to urge environmentally-conscious individuals to act flexibly according to their surroundings.
The Georgia Water Crisis is just another example that has simultaneous economic, political, and environmental impacts. With a changing environment, there is no absolute right and wrong. The only right thing to do is to adjust our decisions and behaviors to these changes rationally.
While Atlanta is expecting to accommodate a larger population as it transforms into a world-class city, the city and state officials should really look into water issues from all perspectives. With climate change and irresponsible water use, water shortage problems will not solve themselves unless effective regulations are in place.
References:
http://climate.weather.com/articles/corps110207.html
http://secc.coaps.fsu.edu/
