On Sunday night, Austin Water director Greg Meszaros released a statement urging residents “to do all that they can to reduce water use.” The following morning, a city-wide boil water notice was issued, requiring that residents boil water before consumption for safety.
Austin residents were also immediately prohibited from all outdoor water use, urged to wait on dishes and laundry, and conserve as much as possible.
Everyday habits like filling up your Camelbak with tap water, brushing your teeth and ordering espresso drinks or soda at your favorite restaurant were corrupted by the boil notice and forced Austin residents to think about how much we rely on clean water, and how much we forget about conservation.
As the boiling advisory continued, the danger of contamination became a topic of everyday conversation, and residents were forced to think about where their water goes.
Austin Water Utilities tweeted a chart comparing city water usage this past week, average water usage from 2014-2017, and the city’s treatment plant water production; the chart depicted a significant decrease in water consumption following the water restrictions.
Austin residents took these restrictions seriously, and positive results followed.
In order to avoid another boiling notice, water restriction or shortage, residents must remember not to take potable water for granted and reevaluate their daily water usage.
Art History sophomore Mia Stanley grew up in Odessa, where water is a commodity not taken for granted.
Stanley asserts that city residents use more water than necessary, and advises students to take steps to cut down personal water usage.
Environmental Science junior Kate Cox challenges students to fight the current and conserve water for future generations.