Are the water lines in your home gravity fed (i.e. connected to an overhead water tank without any pressure pumps)? If so, note the velocity and the amount of water gushing out of the taps when the tank is full. Then take note once more when the tank is nearly depleted. You will notice there… [Read More]
Interpreting History: Annual Rainfall Trends
Detecting Climate Change Since the 1980’s, the United States’ government has seen a need for accurate and unbiased historical climate records. To meet that need and help detect regional climate change, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration developed a data set known as the United States Historical Climatology Network. This data consists of daily and… [Read More]
Rainwater Harvesting for Livestock
In Northern Alabama, a poultry farm implemented the use of a 100,000 gallon bladder-style reservoir to store rainwater for its livestock. The system was engineered to harvest the rainwater that comes down on an 82,000 ft2 poultry house roof. Two inches of rain is all that is needed to fill the 100-foot by 36-foot bladder… [Read More]
Water Quality Testing at Your Fingertips
Because water quality strongly impacts the health of you and your family, it is important to know the quality of the water used for domestic consumption. In the United States and elsewhere, drinking water can come from: a public supply system private sources from the household well In the United States, if water comes from… [Read More]
The Water Energy Nexus
We’ve all learned that turning off the light when we leave the room, switching off computer monitors when not in use, or using energy efficient appliances results in a corresponding reduction in energy consumption. Similarly, turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or harvesting the rain water that falls on your roof will reduce… [Read More]
The Consequence of Global Warming: Coastal Flooding
Coastal flooding is rapidly emerging as one of the gravest consequences of global warming. The steady rise in global temperatures has triggered the melting of glacial and land ice, resulting in rising sea levels. The coastlines are the worst affected by this, and it may result in massive displacements in the coming years. Ironically, in… [Read More]
Trends in US Water Supply Demand
How much water does the United States of America consume on an annual basis? How has this changed over the last several decades? Which water source supplies the most water? Which sector demands the most water? The United States Geological Survey provides public data that helps us gain insight into consumption trends across the country…. [Read More]