NationStates Jolt Archive

As some of you may know that the Southern US is currently going through a drought. Atlanta has been hit particularly hard. They are running ads on TV to conserve water. The typical advice of watering lawn at night, no washing of vehicles, time the showers etc etc. So with that there is a couple of individuals out there that use more then their fair share. This particular home averages 390,000 gallons per month!

http://www.wsbtv.com/news/14545360/detail.html

So what to do with these water hogs? Charging more is not an answer. This particular individual looks like they can afford it. How to solve this dilemma?

It doesn't take that much water to drown babies..:confused:

Ration their water.

As some of you may know that the Southern US is currently going through a drought. Atlanta has been hit particularly hard. They are running ads on TV to conserve water. The typical advice of watering lawn at night, no washing of vehicles, time the showers etc etc. So with that there is a couple of individuals out there that use more then their fair share. This particular home averages 390,000 gallons per month!

http://www.wsbtv.com/news/14545360/detail.html

So what to do with these water hogs? Charging more is not an answer. This particular individual looks like they can afford it. How to solve this dilemma?

Cut off their water.

Either have their water be extremely hot, or extremely cold. *nods*

Cut off their water.
I think it's illegal or something.

400,000 gallons a MONTH. Damn I use that much in a day, and i thought I was doing well.

I think it's illegal or something.

It would most likely be illegal to cut water. I think the answer would be to have a city wide rationing of water. Take the average amount a family of 5 would use and use that as a basis for what not to go over. After the residence goes over that amount start hammering out the fines until they get so ridiculous that even a millionaire would turn the water off.

I think it's illegal or something.

depends on the situation. they can ration the water, which would mean they would get the amount necessary for their family size (not house size) per day/week/ whatever.

if the situation becomes desperate... who knows.

So what to do with these water hogs? Charging more is not an answer. This particular individual looks like they can afford it. How to solve this dilemma?
Cut them the fuck off. I'm surprised they hadn't already.

“I think it’s absurd, I really do,” said Ken Scott
This guy strikes me as the sort of person Marx was talking about whenever he mentioned the bourgeoise.

Progressive charging like income tax?

I pulled this guys home up and it is damn near 20k sq ft that sits on 3.8 acres. 5 bedrooms and 6.5 baths. Found the records and it's worth 3.4 mill and is owned outright by an individual. This guy would not be phased by small fines at all. Seems to have a lot of money.

*is thankful I live right next to a really really big lake*

Nice house there.

I pulled this guys home up and it is damn near 20k sq ft that sits on 3.8 acres. 5 bedrooms and 6.5 baths. Found the records and it's worth 3.4 mill and is owned outright by an individual. This guy would not be phased by small fines at all. Seems to have a lot of money.

yeah, but maybe the money would help them get more water?

*doesn't know*

yeah, but maybe the money would help them get more water?

*doesn't know*

Nice thought I suppose but their is a finite resource which makes this not about money but about not using more then one needs to survive.

A long but brilliant article in the NYT about the entire crisis. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/21/magazine/21water-t.html?_r=1&oref=slogin The long and short of it is cities may have to eventually bypass rivers altogether and literally pipe all treated wastewater from the city above you and you reuse it, retreat it and resend it down to the next city via another pipe. The fish will just have to be SOL.

Nice thought I suppose but their is a finite resource which makes this not about money but about not using more then one needs to survive.

Usually when cities around us are in drought conditions they buy water from my city, but I guess when no cities in your area have enough water.....it's somewhat hopeless.

Usually when cities around us are in drought conditions they buy water from my city, but I guess when no cities in your area have enough water.....it's somewhat hopeless.
People just need to learn to conserve. I know that sounds a bit mean, but people living out West have to live with this all the time. A GOOD year for Nevada just means we might be allowed to water during the mornings.

Water is the most natural thing in the world and yes we shall consume less of it, but it's sorta of hard when we humans need it to survive and to keep ourselves clean. It's a great idea for perserving and using less water and maybe someday people will be aware of the environment and that we need to savor it. If we don't then its going to go to ruins. ^__^

People just need to learn to conserve. I know that sounds a bit mean, but people living out West have to live with this all the time. A GOOD year for Nevada just means we might be allowed to water during the mornings.

*wallows in water greedily*

yeah, but maybe the money would help them get more water?

*doesn't know*
Unless they find a way to alchemically convert paper money to water, don't count on it.

Unless they find a way to alchemically convert paper money to water, don't count on it.

The human body is 70% liquid. *nods*

I think there should be an ultimatum: cut water usage to a certain level or else face a colossal increase in fines. Perhaps not $5, but $25, or even $50 for their purchases. There needs to be some kind of penalty for this level of consumption during a serious water crisis; it can go down if the situation improves, but when the situation is this serious, there is no excuse for that level of consumption.

It's not like they can just increase water production, so if someone is seriously threatening supplies like this, there needs to be some kind of intervention. Remember, the most savings in consumption are at the most disposable end.

*wallows in water greedily*
When I first got to Nagano eveyone here told me that I was moving to one of the driest spots in Japan and people are always talking about how they are worried about the water levels, but for me, dear God Almighty they have so much water! I mean, this place is actually GREEN!

I guess it's just what you're used to living with.

Make it a criminal offense. Then charge him.

Melbourne is on permanent Stage 3A (http://www.onlymelbourne.com.au/melbourne_details.php?id=10515) Restrictions.


and if it doesnt get a lot better soon we get stage 4:
No watering of lawns or gardens; use bucket or watering can to fill pools; vehicles only washed for health and safety reasons. Repeat offenders will have a water restrictor fitted to their water supply, which will limit water flow to the home for up to 48 hours.