Clubhouse: Water Wise
A little research goes a long way when dealing with drought conditions.
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ShareApril 1, 2008
When asked to describe the perfect vacation home, most people imagine a place near a body of water. But when searching for that home, few people consider the possible drought conditions that can exist—even in areas with lakes. "All around the U.S., water levels are changing dramatically," says John Koeller, a Yorba Linda, California, engineer and a technical advisor for the Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE), a new national organization dedicated to water sustainability. "Lakes are dropping in the Midwest, the East, and in parts of the South."Indeed, one-third of the country was beset by drought last
year. Around Atlanta’s Lake Lanier, for instance, water levels sank to the
lowest in history, and many vacation home owners arrived to find their boats
slumped in the mud. Clearly there are some geographic differences in how people
perceive water usage. "In the West, where cities and resorts are built in the
middle of deserts, people are used to living with less water; it’s part of the
culture," says Koeller. "But in other areas, such as the South, people are just
now learning about water conservation."
The consequences of drought range from high water bills to
widespread wildfires, much like the ones experienced in the arid conditions of
Southern California last year. It is difficult to quantify the effects drought
has on real estate prices, but there is little doubt that a dry spell can weaken
a home’s curbside appeal. Such is the case on Florida’s west coast, which has
seen a total decline of 40 inches of rainfall in the last two years. "When you
drive around our area, you can see that the lakes are one to four feet below
normal," says Robyn Hanke, spokesperson for the Southwest Florida Water
Management District. "Our storm ponds, which are designed to collect excess
water, are dry and look unattractive." Conversely, California’s Lake Arrowhead
continued to enjoy a booming real estate market during periods of fairly severe
drought conditions, says Marc Lippert, a community services manager with the
district.
Many websites offer statistics and charts of water levels—information that can be helpful when looking for a lakefront home. The University of Nebraska maintains a national drought map (www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html) that shows which areas are experiencing dry conditions. It is also important to investigate local water sources before buying a home; find out where the water comes from, where it drains, and what the area’s highest and lowest water levels are. If the lake serves as the reservoir for a large nearby community, the water levels could rise and fall depending on demand. Being educated about the area’s water levels will give an indication of what to expect in the future. A homeowner may, for example, need to invest in a roll-out dock that can be moved right to the water’s edge during times of drought.
It is also wise to check with the local water company for
updates that can preserve water resources when the home is not in use. Finally,
second-home owners should commit themselves to saving water wherever they are.
"I see many smart people who conserve water at home, but stop when they get to
their vacation house," says Lippert. "It’s like that part of their brain goes on
vacation, too."
Alliance for Water Efficiency, www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org
