Water and Milk: Drought drives costs up

In Colorado, the price of milk has gone up slightly, giving dairy farmers a little room to breathe after drought conditions have driven the price of animal feed up. The price of corn has gone up by 50% this summer, and alfalfa and soybeans have followed similarly. However, the price of milk does not often see sharp increases, which means in tight years like this year and 2009, means dairy farmers get squeezed.

In response to the high feed prices and anticipated low profits for the year, many dairy farmers will likely slaughter a portion of their livestock. Culling herds is a difficult choice, but often inevitable.

Consumers may be dismayed to see the price of milk at the grocery store rise, but it will grant a little relief to the dairy producers.

Source: CBS Denver

Does water conservation kill trees?

In Colorado, drought conditions have put the pressure on managers, residents, and utilities to conserve as much water as possible. As the population continues to grow, water demand goes up, so residential, industrial, and agricultural activities are pressured to use less and less water.

Photo Credit: Jason Edwards @ National Geographic

However, the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District General Manager reminded legislators and business leaders in Fort Collins this week that cutting off water for residential lawns could "jeopardize" a community's tree canopy. Parched trees is a growing concern for drought-prone communities instituting new water conservation measures. Tree kills can result from less water percolating down from lawns and gardens. Under-watered trees shed their leaves early, stop growth, and are more susceptible to disease.

This situation is indicative of the trade-offs communities have to make when allocating water resources. Where should the water go? Fracking or shade trees? Car-washes or swimming pools? Do shade trees belong in areas that are naturally arid?

Many community leaders and policymakers are mulling other water management strategies, like recycling municipal water for certain uses, and augmenting supply by building new reservoirs.

Source: The Coloradoan

California passes water conservation bill

A bill just passed in California that would focus on water conservation measures for businesses, especially car washes. The law will require at least 60% of water used at car washes to be recycled water. Technology that recycles water on-site is easy to install, and already used at many California car washes. The technology may actually lower the water bill for these businesses.

Credit: Pat's Express Carwash

This sensible bill means that less treated, drinkable water will be used to spray the dirt and bugs off of cars, instead using recycled water that has been filtered to remove detergents and dirt.

Assemblyman Mike Gatto is the author of the bill.






Source: eNewsChannels