For many, a highlight of the Green California Expo was the announcement of the Green CA leadership awards. The awards cut through the green rhetoric and showcase what sustainable efforts are actually being implemented throughout the state. One of the educational sessions I attended at the Expo focused on California’s water crisis and the reality of the three year drought we are currently facing. After one speaker presented the potential doomsday scenarios we may encounter, an interesting solution was discussed. A manager from the Orange County Water District described the system they have recently enacted to avert any possible tragedy from water shortages. In partnership with the Orange County Sanitation District, the OC Water District has created a wastewater purification program called the groundwater replenishment system. Check out photos and an article about the system in Time Magazine here.
The system has been up and running for about a year now and allegedly has already exceeded its economic payback projections. There is a lot of promise with this technology, especially in the water-dependent region of Southern California. However, not everyone is convinced, the speaker noted that in other districts, the system has been met with resistance. Maybe the skeptics will feel better if they think of Ghandi as they drink their recycled water – legend has it he drank his own urine because it purified his soul. Whether you support the system or not, the District has certainly gained enough respect to win this award. Be sure to take a look at the full list of winners here as there are many other worthy recipients.
