Water – From My Lips to Your Ears
I figure the best way to start a new series is with the idea of combining the big picture issue of Texas water policy with the little things we, as a group of concerned fly fishers, can do to make any little difference possible from right where we are – no matter where that is in Texas.
When I began thinking about the daunting number of problems facing Texas water consumers and recreational users – as we are – I thought it would be best to start at our own behaviors, become aware of our own consumption habits while learning more about the big picture as we go along.
This regular “Water Wednesday” column will rely on the internet for researching and bringing information to readers, and we always have to take this with a grain of salt. We all know how the internet can be used as a propaganda tool, and to spread outright lies. Texas water issues are, to say the least, a “hot button” issue that is working its way up the charts in the people’s and State Government’s awareness.
However, this first story is a simple “How To” that’s less about conserving water and more about keeping plastic bottles out of our landfills.
MAYBE I’M AMAZED?
I can’t tell you how many outings I’ve been on with different people in different states, with guides and fly fishers such as myself, and as they are gearing up they throw in a couple of those plastic bottles of water – into their backpack, boat, boat box, hip pack or wherever they will fit. It definitely starts me thinking. How can anyone who derives so much satisfaction from being in the outdoors fly fishing go along with the masses, and contribute to the growing landfills like we see growing over Lewisville, Texas, or hidden on the edges of Denton, Texas? Those mountains are growing everywhere, but these are the ones I see on a regular basis.
While Denton, Texas, has all the problems of a growing city on the edge of a huge metropolitan area … it also has been on the cutting edge of trash and water. The landfill here is piped to recover methane gas, and is toured by people from all over the world on a regular basis. The process water reclamation sludge into “Dyno Dirt” for yards and gardens (for sale to residents). Denton also is blessed in its recent history with award winning water. Denton’s water has been competitive in “best tasting water” in the US and was selected “Best-Tasting Drinking Water in Texas” award winner in 2013 by the Texas Section American Water Works Association.
Slowly, I have come to realize that so many people don’t know there’s a better way. Maybe they never even considered those plastic bottles, and where they end up? Maybe their tap water isn’t that good?
I have done a little backpacking in my life, and if you’ve done any of those extended trips, you know that water is a big topic, and storage and carrying water is also an “issue.” However, that early experience translated well into my water habits for fly fishing.
Personal Hydration for Hot Fly Fishing Days of Summer – Keep Cool in the Heat
BUY A NALGENE BOTTLE from your local REI. Don’t get an off brand, or something “like a Nalgene” because they won’t stand up to the abuse a Nalgene can take. You can bounce a Nalgene off concrete and back into your hand – it won’t break. It’s also more importantly BPA free.
In Texas summer heat, water is okay, but cold water is better. So watch the entire sequence of slides in the slideshow below and you will see a great way to keep your water cold – until it’s all gone! If you can find a neoprene Nalgene insulator to go around your new bottle, you’ll be wishing that ice would hurry up and melt. No joke!
Denton water is so good, it really doesn’t need filtering.
Remember to freeze the bottle at an angle.
Spend the $11 dollars on a Nalgene – accept no substitute!
Insulate it for extra cold time.
Category: Texas Water Conservation
