Hi Carol! Great question: residents without yards can help in a few ways: Encouraging others to save water and saving water indoors by taking shorter showers, turning off the tap when brushing teeth, and waiting to run dishwashers and laundry machines until they are full. Even if your outdoor space is small, directing rainwater towards pervious areas like grass or garden beds will help recharge groundwater while reducing the amount of stormwater pollution washing directly into waterways. And, of course, advocating locally for better water regulations!

I’m thrilled you have intern Amanda on this project. I look forward to hearing more about the findings she comes up with and wish her every success in her studies. I appreciate her!

Otherwise, for those of us living in apartment buildings (Whipple Annex) or folks without yards per se, what recommendations exist to conserve water?

Is a public info campaign around this under consideration? For example, a fun “If it’s yellow, let it mellow” campaign may be a great way to enlist every household member, especially children, in the effort. You know if we can get children in on the importance of water protection early enough, we can create advocates for life who will then ensure their adults pay more attention too.

Thank you!