Why is a snowfall important for restoring freshwater resources?

It’s not really complicated. Snow melts slowly and therefore more of the water that results from the melt is retained by ground sources.

When it rains the water that falls to the ground generally doesn’t have time to soak in; the heavier/faster the rainfall the less that is retained. Rainwater ends up traveling to storm water systems and ends up dumping into rivers or streams and is carried out of the region on which it fell.

Using a rule of thumb that each 10 inches of snow, if melted, would produce one inch of water, then each inch of snow produces about 2,715 gallons of water per acre. Actual amounts can vary considerably depending on whether the snow is heavy and wet or powdery and dry, so this is based on an average water content of snow.

Heavy snow has high water content. 4 or 5 inches of a heavy, wet snow contains approximately one inch of water. It may take 20 inches of dry, powdery snow to equal that one inch of water. The 10=1 equation also assumes a 'perfect' snow-melt without evaporation which put some of the moisture back into the atmosphere.
Snow pack that accumulates each year in the mountains across the United States are a vital part of the hydrologic cycle. The snows that melt off each spring provide essential runoff to streams and reservoirs which recharge critical fresh water reservoirs and filters into underground which are being depleted at a rate that Mother Nature can’t keep up with.
As inconvenient as they seem, seasonal snowfalls are a crucial part of our lives. We should be thankful for them.

AP

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When you think "Greening" consider "The Forgotten Factor"

I am seeing lots of articles lately about business efforts to lower energy consumption. Below is my reply to an article posted on the Green, Inc blog for the New York Times.

Across the country we are witnessing sincere efforts to reduce energy consumption from both the consumer and commercial perspective. Mr. Odeh's effort is commendable and deserves recognition.

What about "The Forgotten Factor"; the connection between improved water efficiency and the reduction in energy consumption? Studies have clearly identified this relationship. If you do even a minimal of research, the troubling truth about global fresh water supplies should put water efficiency and water conservation at the forefront of everyone's "greening" efforts. I wonder if Mr. Odeh considered the value of improving water efficiency at his restaurants. No mention therein leads me to believe this is not the case. In most business a practices “greening” is as much about improving the bottom line as as it is about lessening impacts on the environment. As consumers and businesses, our water footprint is a very significant part of our overall carbon footprint.

A Water Efficiency Assessment and ROI Analysis can easily demonstrate that even something as minimal as a plumbing fixture upgrade can produce a substantial reduction in wasted water thereby lowering utility bills, and lessening overall environmental impact. I have witnessed the results. I have seen a $70,000 investment in water efficiency improvements (toilets, showerheads, faucet aerators) at an apartment complex in Charlotte, NC resulting in a reduction in metered water expenses of greater than $10,000 per billing cycle. I am aware of similar projects taking place in Louisville, Pittsburgh, Detroit and South Florida. It makes financial sense and helps substantially lower human impacts on a natural resource that we just can not do without.

When you think "Greening" consider "The Forgotten Factor"
AP
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