Water is Essential to Life
Essential to all living organisms, water covers 71% of the Earth’s surface, yet only 0.8% is available for human consumption. Fresh water can only be renewed through the water cycle where water evaporates, forms clouds, and returns as precipitation. Climate change has dramatically shifted the distribution and availability of fresh water globally and will continue to do so. In areas where groundwater is often contaminated and scarce a combination of greywater reuse, rain water harvesting and water conservation at home can be an excellent way to improve resiliency to potential water shortages.
Beyond the realities of scarcity, the economics surrounding water are rapidly changing. Water utility rates in the United States are rising faster than any other utility due to access issues, municipal upgrades, and the direct impact energy costs have on moving our water around. Water conservation in Oregon continues to be a priority for state and local leaders. We believe strongly that it’s our responsibility as green builders to help clients understand the value of water conservation and net zero water buildings.
Innovative Water Conservation Systems in Oregon
The first Water Sense partner in Oregon, Green Hammer recognizes water is essential for life and should not be taken for granted. From the design-build and permitting of multiple potable rainwater harvesting systems to innovative botanical water purification and recycling, Green Hammer is experienced in water conservation in our homes and implementing innovative systems. Years of experience have helped us develop and deliver proven cost effective systems for Net Zero Water buildings and home water efficiency. A Net Zero Water building collects, recycles, and cleans as much water as it consumes annually. Along this path we’ve also found countless affordable, safe, and durable solutions to reduce, reuse, and recycle water within buildings, and we offer this water conservation expertise to all of our Oregon clients and throughout the Northwest.