Starting for July 15, 2015, California Parks will not provide water to the outdoor showers to cut down water usage. The state has faced severe draught for the last 4 years as warm temperatures has reduced icing on the tops, thus water storage was minimal on the mountain snowpack.
Beach lovers are asked to bring their own method to clean off sand. They can bring their own water, or they can brush themselves using towels, or even their own t-shirts. Some beach – goers aren’t happy with this decision, saying bringing water isn’t a good alternative as the amount of water needed can’t be judged.
According to survey, about 4.5 liters of water (1.2 gallons) are used per day at the off shore baths, accumulating to an astounding 68 million liters (18 million gallons) per year. The state has mandated a water usage decrease by 25%, and most parks are successfully meeting that.
Some state departments have even turned off fountains and lawn sprinklers for further water usage reduction.
Despite all this, Los Angeles County will not turn off their beach showers as they think the problem cannot be solved through this way.
Instead of turning of beach shower, the Los Angeles department have pointed out that local irrigation system and indoor faucets uses more water. To reduce that, they are planning to supply water at different irrigation projects are different times, keeping the water cold so less shower is taken on average. Also, adding low-flow heads and automatic shut-off valves will considerably reduce water usage.
Even the state prison will join in the water cutback regime. The prison’s outdoor shower will be stopped for this matter. Inmates would be allowed three showers a week of 5 minutes each. Inmates working in the kitchen and medical clinics will be allowed more for hygiene purposes.
Some beach goers are collaborating with this whole water saving idea, while some are saying they will not come to the beach anymore. With all these mixed reactions, California needs to shake off its water crisis fast and come up with a more effective result.
