Reports about tech startups are nothing new. Neither is the sharing economy. We’re all quite used to hearing about people sharing their cars, rooms, and more. But farm water?

According to Mother Jones, there’s a new technology startup that’s allowing farmers to share their excess water. Sustainable Water and Innovative Irrigation Management (SWIIM) works a lot like Airbnb: If a farmer finds herself with a surplus of water, she can lease it out — just like a person with a spare bedroom can rent out his room on Airbnb.

Right now, the service is “being tested statewide this month in a joint venture with Western Growers, a trade group whose farmer-members produce half the nation’s fruits and vegetables,” Mother Jones reports. The hope is that SWIIM could help ease the pain of the California drought, and many farmers’ limited water woes.

The tech startup’s concept is great because it allows farmers with a surplus of water to share it rather than waste it. “Even as urbanites and some farmers have been forced to severely cut back, many other farmers, typically those who hold the most senior water rights, flood their fields with little regard for efficiency,”Mother Jones reports. “SWIIM estimates that farmers in California and Colorado on average waste 25 percent of their water, enough to supply all of the city-dwellers, and then some.”

While some farmers already sell water, the tech startup allows these “sharers” to stay in business while doing so. According to Mother Jones, most farmers who have sold water in the past typically lose a field while leasing water, or, because of that “loss” risk, end up not selling it at all. That’s why SWIIM’s option is much better, according to Mother Jones. It allows farmers to “keep farming while implementing efficiency measures such as drip irrigation or deprivation growing, and then lease out the water they save for profit.”

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Image of water on farm from Shutterstock

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If all U.S. households installed low-flow fixtures with water-saving features, the result would be an estimated savings of 5.4 billion gallons of water per day, according to DrinkTap.org. And with 38.8 million California residents in the midst of what may equate to being the worst drought in history, every drop does count, which is why we’ve provided you with some excellent low-flow fixture options for kitchens and baths.

Saving the environment and everything that comes along with it, like decreasing water consumption, may seem cliché, but if you are one of California’s many inhabitants, then you may be dealing with the unfortunate consequences of what happens when the well (literally) starts to run dry.

Whether you’re in the midst of the shortage, or still organizing your water-guzzling slip and slide lawn parties, then listen up, because this is a resource that shouldn’t be taken for granted.

With restrictions so extreme, rather than risk paying a fine for watering their lawns or consuming unnecessary resources, some Californians have resorted to painting their dried, brown bits of brittle formerly known as grass an acceptable shade of green just to maintain some curb appeal – and that’s only the superficial aspect of things.

In addition to cosmetic work, there are many other factors contributing to this water shortage. Agricultural use jeopardizes a large chunk of California’s water supply, and farmers are relying more and more on communal groundwater. In addition to their stressed out natural water resources, fracking is also to blame for this disaster of a drought.

But before you start blasting “Purple Rain” and jumping around on one foot while praying for a monsoon, get a grip on reality, and make a commitment to start saving some water (and your reputation) the easy way.

Conserving water can be done glamorously, with the addition of beautiful new low-flow fixtures, or by simply making a few quick economical modifications that will have you on your way to conserving water in an afternoon’s time. In addition to a clearer conscience and more resources to go around, you will also be saving some dough in the process. Think of it this way: less water equals more shoes. Now that’s a win-win!

When you’re perusing the aisles for your new low-flow items, keep these tidbits in mind:

• Toilet flushing uses the most water in the average home
• The majority of folks flush five times a day, adding up to 31 percent of overall water consumption
• Most older toilets use 3.6 gallons per flush, but can easily and cheaply be reduced to 3 gallons per flush
• Faucets consume around 15-18 percent of the overall water use in the average four-person home
• Find a faucet aerator that uses 1.5 gallons per minute or less, and save up to 3,150 gallons of water per year
• Shower heads below 2.5 gallons per minute will save you approximately 10 gallons of water per 20 minute shower

Still not sure where to begin? No worries – we’ve got you covered! Below you’ll find several stylish low-flow fixture ideas for kitchens and baths designed to accommodate a range of budgets.

Under $1000: Low-Flow Fixtures for Kitchens and Baths

Moen and TOTO, two environmentally conscious plumbing suppliers, are fans among the style conscious as well. The sleek STo kitchen faucet from Moen uses a 1.5 gallon per minute aerator and meets CalGreen and Georgia SB370 requirements. The Moen 90 Degree low-flow faucet also uses 1.5 gallons per minute, and the 90 Degree handheld shower fixture uses 1.75 gallons per minute. Finally, we have the water-conserving throne from high-end potty maker, TOTO. This two-piece toilet gives its users both 1.28 and 0.9 gallons per flush options, is WaterSense certified, and CalGreen compliant.

1. STo Stainless Steel Kitchen Faucet by Moen $910; 2. 90 Degree Brushed Nickel Bathroom Faucet by Moen $806; 3. 90 Degree Brushed Nickel Handheld Shower Head by Moen $537; 4. Connelly Colonial White Two-Piece Toilet by TOTO $650.

Under $300: Low-Flow Fixtures for Kitchens and Baths

From the familiar neighborhood Home Depot comes four additional low-flow kitchen and bath fixtures. The first is an ultra-shiny, low-flow kitchen faucet with detachable spray head that uses 1.8 gallons per minute. Next is the affordable and stylish Alteo bathroom collection. This three piece faucet uses 1.5 gallons per minute, and the showerhead uses 2.0 gallons per minute; both are WaterSense approved. The last fixture is a WaterSense approved, conservation conscious commode using a miniscule 1.28 gallons per flush and saves its owner up to 16,500 gallons per year when compared to an old 3.5 gallon toilet.

1. Simplice Polished Chrome Kitchen Faucet by KOHLER $167; 2. Alteo Polished Chrome Bathroom Faucet by KOHLER $151; 3. Alteo Polished Chrome Shower Collection by KOHLER $82; 4. Highline Water-Conserving Toilet by KOHLER $168.

Under $20: Low-Flow Fixtures for Kitchens and Baths

If you’re strapped for cash, or just satisfied with the fixtures you currently have, then look no further than these water saving kitchen and bathroom modifications. The first item is an aerator that easily attaches to most faucets and brings water consumption down to 0.5 gallons per minute. The next is an affordable standard shower head that, at 1.5 gallons per minute, can compete with the big boys in terms of water savings. Lastly, we have what is essentially a bladder-like reservoir that fits inside of your toilet tank. It’s better looking than a brick and also saves you around half a gallon of water with every flush.

1. Water Saving PCA Faucet Aerator by NEOPERL $3; 2. Eco-Friendly Shower Head by Pfister $13; 3. Toilet Tummy Tank Water Saver by AM Conservation Group $6.

Whether you’re broke, or prefer to spend money like the water you waste, there’s room in your life for some new low-flow fixtures in your kitchen and bath. Enlist your husband, partner, handyman, or plan a get together with your bestie and install a new water saving fixture. You’d better act quickly though…when you’re suddenly faced with a sea of paint swatches trying to decide which shade of green you should spray paint your lawn, don’t say I didn’t warn you!

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Running water image via Shutterstock

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California is facing a drought of epic proportions and combatting it won’t be simple when you consider the sheer size of the state. With all of its territory, running from Oregon down the entire west coast, statewide cooperation is complicated, to say the least.

But the California drought is so bad that Gov. Jerry Brown has ordered residents and businesses to cut water use by 25 percent until 2016 (and some areas by 35 percent), in the first statewide restrictions in history. But will it be enough? Let’s take a closer look at what it will really take to cut water use in a big way.

1. Drip Irrigation

While Gov. Brown is asking residents and businesses to cut their water use, it should be noted that 80 percent of the state’s water goes to agriculture, which is not facing such restrictions due to the impact that would have on food production. Without irrigation, the state would dry up and with it the fertile Central Valley. But using drip irrigation, similar to what is used in drought ridden countries like Israel, would drastically reduce water use. Drip irrigation allows water to slowly drip to the roots of crops through a network of piping. Currently, irrigation in the state is done using the hugely wasteful method of flooding fields, which doesn’t make much sense considering the California drought is expected to last years, if not decades.

2. Water Recycling

Two treatment plants just outside of Sacramento filter millions of gallons of grey wastewater through pipes that irrigate the homes of 4,000 residents. It’s called water recycling and it’s a method that could be used to irrigate agriculture. Other communities are working on systems that recycle local water for lawns but in Southern California, Gov. Brown is even talking about turning human wastewater into drinking water.

3. Transitioning Out of Meat and Dairy

It’s a dirty little secret that much of California’s water, some 47 percent, is used to produce meat and dairy products. The longterm drought picture means taking a stern look at these water intensive industries, especially when they also contribute to the drought’s main cause, global warming. Animal agriculture uses 34 trillion gallons of water annually.

4. Stop Fracking

The drought is causing people to take a closer look at another particularly water intensive industry: fracking. Nearly all of the hydraulic fracturing sites are in extremely water stressed areas. Most of California fracking is done in areas that also have high agricultural water demand. Plus fracking techniques and oil drilling techniques are water intensive because the oil is hard to get out. Water has to be injected deep underground to boost production.

5. Xeriscaping

California needs to move toward choosing more water efficient landscaping. This means choosing compatible plants and water efficient irrigation systems. Plant varieties would vary from one part of California to another, depending on the soil and water resources available. Choosing compatible plants also means less use of fertilizers, which can also impact water quality.

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Image of the California drought from Shuttershock

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The California drought is in its third year and it’s quickly becoming the worst drought on record. At the beginning of this month the state put tight water restrictions into effect. Watering lawns was frowned upon a few months ago but today intense fines make it out of the question.

For some California residents taking shorter showers and skipping the car wash are one thing, but having to look out to a crisp brown lawn has become all too depressing. As a result of the California drought, many have decided to paint their lawns a bright emerald green using a supposedly nontoxic, specially formulated green paint. It’s a good substitute for overwatering your lawn which can result in a $500 a day fine.

“It became a real eyesore, and we live in an area where everyone keeps their yard really nice,” said San Bernardino resident Jay Torres on National Journal. “I heard about a service where people paint your lawn so it looks like the real thing and thought, why not? ”

Torres couldn’t believe his glimmering green lawn.

“We’ve had lots of people stop over and say it looks good,” Torres said. “It’s this really bright, popping green.” Some of the neighbors have even said they’re thinking of dyeing their grass green to match.

It’s become more and more popular for landscapers and real estate agents looking for some curb appeal. It lasts 3-6 months and once dried, the color doesn’t run.

It’s so popular in fact that Xtreme Green Grass, a company that claims to be the number one lawn painter in Northern California, has seen its profits surge 60 percent of late. I guess it’s this or turf. With California drought conditions like this, natural green grass seems a long way off.

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Image: Kevin Dooley

The post In Response to the California Drought, Many Paint Their Lawns Green appeared first on EcoSalon.

President Obama says the ongoing California drought is an example of what’s in store if we continue to ignore climate change. According to scientists, the relationship between drought and climate change isn’t quite that simple.

California is a beautiful and geographically diverse place. There are few places in the world where you can eat breakfast on the ski slopes and have dinner by the ocean. Sadly, the California of the future might be a very different place. Thanks to below normal levels of rain for the past three years, the California drought has become a statewide emergency worthy of federal attention.

President Obama recently visited the state to observe to discuss how the government will provide assistance to farmers and businesses who are suffering from a lack of water. During a speech, Obama suggested climate change as an explanation for the California drought, an assertion that’s drawn some surprise criticism from the scientific community.

For those who acknowledge human-accelerated climate change, the link seems to make perfect sense. We already know that climate change is driving extreme weather events around the globe. 2013 was tied with 2003 as the fourth-warmest year since records began in 1880, and global temperatures were higher than average for the 37th consecutive year. Where Obama went wrong, however, was framing the relationship between climate change and the California drought as one of cause and effect.

Drought has always been a part of life in the arid Southwest. “…extreme droughts have happened in the state before, and the experts say this one bears a notable resemblance to some of those, including a crippling drought in 1976 and 1977,” reports the New York Times. In light of this history, one can hardly claim that climate change suddenly caused the California drought. What we can say is that climate change is altering and exacerbating normal weather patterns around the world. In essence, climate change isn’t causing the California drought, but it is making a recovery less likely.

Thanks to climate change, any precipitation in California evaporates more rapidly, intensifying the effects of the drought on agriculture in particular. “We are going through a pattern we’ve seen before, but we’re doing it in a warmer environment,” Michael Anderson, the California state climatologist, told NY Times.

Joseph Romm elaborated on this concept in his 2011 literature review in the journal Nature:

“Precipitation patterns are expected to shift, expanding the dry subtropics. What precipitation there is will probably come in extreme deluges, resulting in runoff rather than drought alleviation. Warming causes greater evaporation and, once the ground is dry, the Sun’s energy goes into baking the soil, leading to a further increase in air temperature. That is why, for instance, so many temperature records were set for the United States in the 1930s Dust Bowl; and why, in 2011, drought-stricken Texas saw the hottest summer ever recorded for a US state. Finally, many regions are expected to see earlier snowmelt, so less water will be stored on mountain tops for the summer dry season.”

So yes, semantically Obama was mistaken when he pointed to the California drought as a living example of climate change. But he was absolutely correct in pointing out a relationship between the two–a relationship that’s become dysfunctional thanks to human behavior.

The symptoms of the California drought, contaminated drinking water, food shortages, and threats to energy security: these are indeed waiting for the rest of the world if we refuse to take swift and definitive action on climate change.

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Image: jondissed

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