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Changing Values Can Beat Drought

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 4, 2009

Right now, I have to confess that I'm seriously ticked off. And this time I'm not talking about the economy. This time I'm talking about our water supply.

But I'm still going to sound like I'm talking about the economy, because the underlying principles are the same no matter what area of crisis we think about. We need to change some of the fundamental values that guide our behavior, and we need to do it across the board.

The Tampa area is three years into this drought, but we have it within our power as consumers to quickly avert the emergency. How?

All we need to do is to simply follow the rules and regulations already in place.

That's why I'm so upset. Too many residents - individuals, small businesses and corporations, appear quite happy with the idea of inconvenience and sacrifice - so long as it doesn't apply to them.

We have got to get over that kind of outlook!

Last week, in his address to Congress, President Obama articulated a concept that hit the nail on the head with regard to living in community.

He said, in reference to education, "Dropping out of high school is no longer an option; it's not just quitting on yourself, it's quitting on your country ... ."

Well, the same standard applies to those of us who cheat in any way in a time of crisis. Overuse of water is not just taking a little on the side, it's taking something precious directly from our neighbor. In a very real sense, water abuse is cheating on our community.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District estimates that 25 million gallons of water are misappropriated each day via rule violations. But that's just the starting place.

I routinely witness unconscionable waste by people who are not violating district guidelines. Taking responsibility goes beyond following the law - it involves thinking beyond ourselves and looking to the greater good.

Then there's the e-mail I've received from homeowners hounded by community associations that value bright green lawns over conservation. Too many neighborhood covenants are crafted by people ignorant about native plantings or unwilling to accept the fact that they don't reside in New England any more.

Bottom line, we live in a water district that's under extreme stress.

If Tampa Bay Water follows through on its plan to pump from giant sinkholes, the next homeowners' association meeting may well take place 150 feet underground.

Each one of us holds the future in our personal willingness to be a part of the solution.

Derek Maul can be reached at derekmaul@gmail.com.

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