After years of drought conditions, and below average rainfall, many states are now being forced to consider spending billions of taxpayer money on new desalination plants in addition to potential rate hikes as high as 500%. As a cheaper alternative, some have already faced the prospect of treating and recycling waste water for human consumption. Areas such as Las Vegas, NV, and Orange County, CA, have already implemented the use of recycled water.
Admist concerns for human health, new water recycling plants are popping up at an estimated cost to U.S. citizens at over 40 million per plant. Each time water is recycled, the level of chemical content in relation to clean water rises, an issue that is causing concerns amongst legislators and the private sector. Many individuals have expressed uneasiness with potential health repercussions down the road, which may not be realized with immediate effect until it's too late.
In a New York Times article by RANDAL C. ARCHIBOLD published:
Mayor Jerry Sanders of San Diego, in vetoing the City Council plan there, said it “is not a silver bullet for the region’s water needs” and the public has never taken to the idea in the 15 years it has been discussed off and on.
The New York Times story also indicates that although originally estimated at $10 million for a pilot study in San Diego, water department officials said the figure would be refined, and the total cost of the project might be hundreds of millions of dollars. Although the San Diego City Council wants to offset the cost with government grants and other sources, Mr. Sanders predicted it would add to already escalating water bills.“It is one of the most expensive kinds of water you can create,” said Fred Sainz, a spokesman for the mayor. “It is a large investment for a very small return.”
San Diego, which imports about 85 percent of its water because of a lack of aquifers, asked residents to curtail water use.
Now a former Hughes Aircraft engineer has developed a new invention which may provide a better solution. The Auto Touch Faucet system offers the user a choice of Hot, Warm, or Cold water, unlike most infrared systems which only offer one temperature, and are mainly used in public restrooms. The Auto Touch faucet system, which is manufactured in the U.S. was designed for both sanitation purposes and to help conserve water, gas, and electricity.
A simple hand, or knee touch on the sensor pad activates the water flow, the supply is cut off by timer, or instantly upon release of the knee. The Auto Touch Faucet System has been lab tested by IAPMO - International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials , and one of the largest cruise lines in America.
Verified results show a reduction average of 44% in water usage per bathroom sink, equaling a savings of 135 gallons of water per person on a monthly basis. In Kitchen sink applications, the Auto Touch Faucet system has reduced water consumption by a rate of 58% which equates to a savings of 910 gallons monthly.
The environmental impact as a result of enhanced use of the Auto Touch Faucet system is staggering.
135 gallons of water saved per person per month = 1620 gallons of water saved per person annually.
That translates to:
1.6 billion gallons saved per million population
16 billion gallons saved per 10 million population
48 billion gallons saved per 30 million population (e.g. California)
160 billion gallons saved per 100 million population
480 billion gallons saved per 300 million population
If the entire U.S. population were to implement the Auto touch faucet system, over 500 billion gallons of water could be saved. Additionally, a reduction in water consumption through usage of the Auto touch Faucet system will also provide relief to other natural resources including land, and manpower required for desalination and recycling plants. Corresponding savings will also be realized with a reduction of required energy needed to heat water, and reduced electrical usage needed to pump water from original sources to final destinations like high rise buildings which require more energy.
The Auto Touch Faucet system, which is handle free, relieves maintenance costs, and eliminates costly overflow and leakage problems, is also perfect for kitchen, food prep areas, Hospital settings and Medical Clinics offers superior sanitary benefits compared to traditional faucets where a user faces the probability of turning a less than sanitary faucet handle to shut water off, with their post washed hands.
The Auto Touch Faucets instant on and instant off feature also means time savings and added convenience. The Auto Touch Faucet system can also be custom designed to match any interior setting, and can be attached to any existing faucet which should satisfy the most discriminating user who may not wish to compromise otherwise.
For more information about this exciting new water conservation product, please visit the company's website http://www.autotouchfaucets.com
