4 ms·
One interesting experience I had was going to the Middle East. It was the first time I'd ever dealt with water restrictions or even considered my water consumpt
by Mezzie 4y ago
One interesting experience I had was going to the Middle East. It was the first time I'd ever dealt with water restrictions or even considered my water consumption, which didn't just baffle the Jordanians but also a lot of the other Americans.
I'm from Michigan. Fresh water is so accessible that even restricting its use for environmental purposes just isn't a thing. If we ever run out, the world is already on fire.
- hackernewds 4y agoEntire societies are only 6 continuous hours of complete water denial away from collapse.
- Mezzie 4y agoThat's just wild to me. Even if our infrastructure collapsed tomorrow, we could all probably get our water needs met. I live within walking distance to a sizeable river - I'd be annoyed if I couldn't buy water anymore but that's about it.
- jfk13 4y agoI wonder how things would go if the whole population of your state suddenly needed to dip all their water out of the rivers and lakes?
- Mezzie 4y agoBack of napkin math suggests that the water in the lake would sustain drinking, hygiene, and daily bathing for all current MI residents for over 10,000 years, so probably fine.
- jfk13 4y agoI wasn't thinking so much about the quantity as the anarchic crowds that'd be competing for access to it (and churning up mud, etc...) if it no longer comes through the pipes. I'm not so sure things would be "fine".
- occamrazor 4y agoThey are already taking their water from rivers and lakes, where else would they get it?
- germinalphrase 4y agoYou might be over estimating how potable local rivers/streams are without professional treatment.
- Mezzie 4y agoI know how to treat water and have the supplies I'd need to do it.
- germinalphrase 4y agoYou and I may, but I’m skeptical that “we could all” do so. Even a hacked together sand/charcoal filter only goes so far when we’re talking about populations.