Saving money, saving energy, saving water – these are all good reasons to learn more about water conservation. And, as Ben Franklin said: “When the well’s dry, we know the worth of water.” Despite drought-like conditions during several past summers in different parts of the country, the eastern U.S. typically has enough rainfall that we do not make water conservation headlines. However, a different kind of “drought” is occurring under our feet. I’m talking about our groundwater. In many areas, especially urban areas, we use groundwater faster than we can replenish it.
Groundwater is water in the subsurface soil pores and rock crevices. Groundwater is the water source and supply for wells. What is happening now is the amount of groundwater recharging many of our country’s urban area aquifers is significantly less than the amount we are extracting. Groundwater is the primary source of drinking water in many cities, which is a vital issue even if your area isn’t in an official drought.
Water conservation requires changing habits and expectations from businesses and residents for commercial, household, and outdoor water usage. Now is the time for everyone to do their part, especially with summer coming, a time of year that strains our aquifers as many people water gardens and lawns.
Because we use water in so many places, the list of ways to conserve is virtually endless and is not hard to do. They include everything from changing how you water your lawn and garden to what appliances you buy.
Mow Higher, Less Frequently
For an established lawn, refrain from watering during the summer – just let it go browner like it wants to when it is dry. It will green up when the rains return. An exception to this occurs during some summers when extended dry periods combined with unusually high temperatures cause the grass to die. However, your lawn will be fine since most summer weather conditions are milder. WaterSense has many more tips that save water and money on your outdoor water bill.
You can use collected rainwater for lawn and garden watering between rain events. Consider installing a rain barrel to collect rainwater (be sure to place a screen over the top or use the water fast to prevent mosquitos from breeding). Of course, you can also mulch your flower and vegetable gardens to reduce evaporation from the soil and water your garden only when needed. Thick enough mulch also cuts down on the number of weeds.
Look for Water Conservation Rebates
You can also use water-saving products in your home or business, such as low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and low-flush toilets. Some municipalities even have toilet rebate programs to promote changing out older toilets. When purchasing a dishwasher or washing machine, consider energy- and water-efficient ones, such as EnergyStar and WaterSense-certified appliances. Whether or not you purchase energy and water-efficient appliances, you can always fill dishwashers and washing machines to their capacity before running them, which reduces the amount of water used by needing to operate them less.
Thirsting for More?
Other water-saving tips include easy changes in hygiene habits. If, for example, you choose to take 5-minute showers instead of 10-minute showers, the typical person can save over 10,000 gallons of water per year. Consider taking a “military shower” by turning the water off for lathering and on again during rinsing. Also, try turning the faucet off when scrubbing your hands or brushing your teeth, and turn the water on again for rinsing.
If you decide to implement these suggestions, you will do your part to conserve our water now and for future generations. Every little bit makes a difference!
Helpful Resources:
SCSer Quinn Bernier will be at the 2025 Annual Conference Virginia Recycling Association in Charlottesville on May 12-14, 2025. This event will dive deep into the future of recycling while examining the impact of artificial intelligence in the industry. The program highlights the new technologies that are bolstering Virginia Recycling Programs.
Register today to learn more!
Join SCSer Greg McCarron, PE, at the Federation of New York Solid Waste Conference with Trade Show on May 18-21 at the Sagamore in Bolton Landing, New York. This two-and-a-half-day event hosts over 75 technical sessions covering topics on industry updates, solid waste innovation, food waste solutions, PFAS risks and regulations, and more. This conference goes above and beyond with networking opportunities through the many extracurriculars offered, like kayaking, golfing, culinary demonstrations, and other exciting activities to discover.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow solid waste professionals in New York, register now!
Join SCS Engineers at SIOR’s Spring 2025 Event, happening May 6–9 at Caesars Palace Las Vegas Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. This high-energy gathering brings together top commercial real estate professionals for a one-of-a-kind opportunity to build relationships, exchange ideas, and gain insights that drive business forward.
SIOR’s Spring Event helps you forge new partnerships, expand your network, and deepen your industry knowledge so you can maximize opportunities and take your business to the next level. Every handshake has the potential to lead to your next big deal—so don’t miss this chance to connect with the best in the business.
Click here to register and join SCS Engineers in Vegas, where we’re going all in on building stronger connections and smarter solutions.
SCS Engineers is excited to participate in PFAS Forum V, taking place April 9–11, 2025, at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida. This important event brings together environmental professionals, regulators, and industry leaders to deepen understanding of the challenges surrounding PFAS.
Attendees will explore current and emerging issues related to PFAS, including potential risks, regulatory and legal updates, as well as the latest innovations in monitoring, treatment, cleanup, and disposal technologies.
Click here to register and join us in advancing PFAS solutions. We look forward to connecting with you in Orlando!
Join SCS Engineers at Biogas Americas 2025, April 28-30th, at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, CO. This is the largest biogas conference and tradeshow in North America and the annual conference of the American Biogas Council. This must-attend event brings together industry leaders, decision-makers, and innovators to drive the future of biogas through networking, training, and knowledge-sharing. With a focus on growing the biogas market and advancing sustainable solutions, Biogas Americas provides a valuable opportunity to connect with experts, explore cutting-edge technologies, and gain insights into industry trends. Be sure to visit SCS Engineers at Booth #1016 to learn more about our work in biogas and renewable energy. We look forward to seeing you there!
The Florida Association of Environmental Professionals (FAEP) is proud to present the 2025 FAEP Annual Conference. The FAEP Conference is an annual conference bringing together environmental professionals and subject matter experts in environmental policy, natural resources, engineering and various other disciplines. This year, the Tampa Bay Chapter of the Florida Association of Environmental Professionals is hosting the conference.
SCS Engineers will present on several topics, including:
Work Smarter Not Harder with GIS – Kayla Ouellette and Juanita Borden, GISP
Client Benefits of PFAS Exposure Risk Evaluation in AFFF – Leslie Smith, PHD, PE
Innovative Approaches to Site Closure – Marco Hernandez, PE
Ecological Risk Assessment and Protocols for the Restoration of the Everglades – Joshua Blanco, CHMM
Join us as we explore the latest advancements and best practices in environmental science and engineering!
Join SCS Engineers at the Tennessee Environmental Network Show of the South (TENSOS)
We are excited to announce that SCS will be participating as sponsors, exhibitors, and speakers at the upcoming Tennessee Environmental Network Show of the South (TENSOS) from May 14-16 at the Chattanooga Convention Center in Tennessee.
TENSOS is Tennessee’s largest, most comprehensive, and diverse professional environmental education opportunity. This conference brings together experts and enthusiasts from various fields to discuss and promote environmental sustainability.
Victoria Evans and Joy Stephens will present on Corporate Climate Disclosures on Friday, May 16th at 9:30 am.
In 2024, sweeping new climate-related disclosure requirements were adopted in the US in SEC regulations and signed into law in California. In March 2024, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) finalized sweeping new climate-related disclosure requirements for large publicly traded companies covering climate-related financial risk and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Three California climate disclosure bills were signed into law in 2023, with two clarified by amendment in 2024. These three California requirements for public disclosures cover corporate climate-related financial risk (SB 261), GHG emissions/targets (SB 253), and carbon offset purchases (AB 1305). California SB 261 and SB 253 were amended by SB 219 in 2024. SEC paused the implementation of their regulations while court challenges were resolved. California’s climate disclosure laws are also subject to court challenges but are still in effect.
This TENSOS presentation will highlight these new disclosure requirements for climate disclosures, the standards to be applied, and the related audit (assurance) requirements for each. Carbon accounting expectations, materiality considerations, and what to do now to prepare will be discussed.
An update on the net impact of timely court decisions affecting each SEC and California requirements will be included. To set up a relevant roadmap for companies affected, we will include a discussion of the impact of similar disclosure requirements under the CSRD rules of the European Union and how supply chains in the US are being impacted. The key takeaways will be a roadmap for the journey to mandatory reporting and reflections upon the relationship of these disclosures to US firms remaining globally competitive.
We look forward to seeing you there! Register for TENSOS today!
Join SCS Engineers at the 13th Annual Georgia Brownfield Associations, Brownfield Seminar on April 16, 2025, at the Georgia Power Headquarters in Atlanta, GA! This event brings together industry leaders across development, legal, engineering, risk management, and economic development to discuss innovative solutions for cleaning and redeveloping contaminated properties. Whether attending in person or virtually, participants will gain valuable insights, connect with key stakeholders, and explore strategies for revitalizing communities across Georgia and beyond.
SCS Engineers’ Douglas Latulippe will be presenting on “Solar on Brownfields”. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from top experts in the field.
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