The temperatures have been way too hot lately and are expected to continue to be in the high 90's to the 100's. I know it is summer and I live in the West Texas desert but it has been a little unbearable and I have basically been staying inside.
We got the water bill and due to the leak we had last month it came in at $91.00 . It does not happen often but we are under Stage 1 water restrictions. We are used to hearing about water restrictions because all our local programming comes from San Antonio, Texas a city 144 miles east of us. They rely on the Edwards Aquifer for their water and have restrictions in place almost year around.
Fortunately we have our own source of local water...San Felipe Springs. You can tell from recent pictures I have taken that it is not flowing as plentiful as it has in the past. At least we don't have to rely on the Rio Grande as does our border sister city Ciudad Acuna, Coahuila, Mexico.
A lot of people think that the Chili Cook-off in Terlingua is just one big party and it is...but it has also taught me many valuable lessons. One of those being how important water and water conservation are.
I never thought I could take a shower including washing my hair with less than a gallon (3.785 liters) but it can be done. We that live in the city also waste a lot of water flushing our toilets when we could use compost also known as humanure toilet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3ioycfDNJA
Now I am not advocating you go this route but it is nice to know that there are alternatives especially in case of an emergency or in bad weather such as hurricanes when they shut the water.
You will find that many people living in Terlingua use this method and it truly does not stink, it does not require water and in a year's time you can use it on your vegetable garden if you so choose.
I have been waiting around for the grass cutting fairy to show up but I think she is like Santa Claus...avoids me wherever I happen to live :-(
Good night. May you all have Terlingua Dreams.
Terlingua Dreams
Governors Landing Campground - Lake Amistad - Del Rio, Texas
I have my own well, but there have been rumors to plug everyone's well by the county since they now supply "city" water. I got out of it because I have more than ten acres. The well is important to me. In an emergency, when the city water fails and even if the electric is off, I can run my well pump off a generator. Have done so in the past. Remember the last big hurricane to hit the Houston area?
ReplyDeleteRemember it? Wish I could forget Ike !! While I was in Del Rio at the time...it caused considerable damage to my home.
DeleteI was there when Alicia hit in 1983. Had several friends come stay with me afterwards because there was no water or electricity in their homes (they lived in Houston) I live in Harris County.
It is great that you were able to keep your well. Better to have your own supply than to have to rely on city water especially during emergencies.
I take pretty quick showers but wouldn't have any idea how much water I use.
ReplyDeleteWhen I said less than a gallon ...I meant when I am camping in Terlingua or in emergency situations...I should have been more clear. Though I do try to conserve water at home, I do not limit myself to this amount.
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