Perhaps no other natural resource is as important to us in the Western United States as water — from the Pacific Northwest where the river management of Columbia and Snake River causes debate between the production of hydropower and the need to protect threatened species — to the Southwestern States where drought and over-allocation of water sources for agricultural, environmental, urban, and hydropower needs further stresses water resources.
With so many competing yet equally important needs, it is important that we learn to manage our available water resources properly. Currently, agriculture accounts for 76% of surface water usage in the Western U.S., 8% for our everyday urban use, 2% for industrial purposes, and 13% for thermoelectric power. In the state of California alone, nearly 20% of all energy consumption goes toward moving, cleaning and heating water.
As it has become increasingly clear, the value of water conservation has enormous benefits to local economies, the environment, and even our global climate. In heavily populated drought-plagued states, the benefits of conservation are incalculable; by being mindful of water use - even in water abundant states - we have an opportunity to save enormous amounts of energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The bottom line is: water conservation not only benefits every state in the nation, it benefits the entire planet.
That is why we, as residents of Medford need to do our part to conserve water and energy. Be a part of the National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation and make your pledge to reduce water consumption at
mywaterpledge.com. If our city has the highest percentage of participating residents taking the pledge, we will all be entered to win great prizes-like a Toyota Prius, Home Improvement Store Gift Cards, Toro Smart Irrigation Controllers, and more. We are all in this together!