Episode 23 - Alternative Water Sources

​Episode Highlights:

• [3:25] Brent mixes up the Birthday Game - How old is Papa Smurf? Play along:
  • Chuck Norris
    
    
  • George Allen - Virginia politician
    
    
  • Lester Holt
    
    
• [8:58] Alternative Water Resources - This came up this week during John's meeting with a member of Congress.
  
  
• [11:30] What are these sources - Include rainwater and graywater.
  • What makes it alternate? It is alternate to what is potable - so what you can drink.
    
    
  • Graywater - water that has already been used in your home or business but it is not black water. Typically water from tub or shower. Can also be clothes washer.
    
    
  • Blackwater - water  flushed in the toilet is black water. Any water with organics in it, is considered black. So dishwasher or toilet water. 
    
    
• [15:15] Graywater is a very reliable source - since we are always using water, this is a reliable source. Some appliances even clean that water up to make it safer to use.
  
  
• [15:43] What can alternative water sources be used for?
  • ​Rainwater: can become potable water supply if treated. Must be stored a certain way though.
    
    
  • Graywater: reliable source of water for irrigation. 
    
    
• [20:55] Reclaimed water - water that has been used and then it has been treated to a certain standard by an entity. Can use it safely but still not drinkable.
  
  
  • Florida uses a lot of reclaimed water.
    
    
  • Opportunity for infrastructure investments.
    
    
  • San Francisco does a great job with recycled water.
    
    
• [27:15] Defining alternative water sources - there is not a standardized definition, but here is Brent's:

• [28:10] Fun Fact - If rainwater hits the ground, it becomes stormwater. 
  
  
• [31:38] EPA WaterSense - one of the best sources when working to define alternative water sources. Check out the WaterSense at Work document!
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  • We need to push the idea that plants don't need potable water. However, need to think about what kind of alternative water plants do need - some plants are more sensitive. 
    
    
• [35:39] Brent's Tip of the Week - He shares a quote about being optimistic: “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” - Winston Churchill