Californians are trend setters. There is no doubt about that. Fast food practically started there, so did tofu. But wait until you here about the next new fad from California - drinkable potty water.

You see, many parts of the country are feeling the effects of chronic water shortages, and California is on that list. Nationally, there been several very good proposed solutions for this problem. One that I like involves using energy-efficient appliances. For example, some energy-efficient dishwashers and washing machines have the ability to save many gallons of water.

But this new California idea -- to recycle toilet water -- is simply too ridiculous to imagine. Yet, water conservation officials are actually proposing it in the L.A. area. For real! I wonder if they checked with their marketing department to glean probable public acceptance before going public with this gem. If they haven't, they should not waste much money or time because I can tell the officials for free that it is a stupid idea.

Kind of up there with setting New Mexico on fire recently.

This is supposed to represent the next generation of water recycling. But, one has to imagine that the rich neighborhoods won't be affected, just the regular folks who can't afford to fight. Do you think people in Beverly Hills will stand for this?

California officials insist that this water recycling program is safe and represents a good solution to California's chronic water shortage problem. So, I say let them drink it. Published reports suggest that much of the drinking water consuming public agrees with my opinion: its stupid.

Currently, the program is in the pilot stage, which means that it is being tried on a small-scale basis to determine whether the process actually works. If you or a friend or relative live around there, you ought find out exactly where this pilot study is located. Let's face it, do you think they would tell you if you don't ask?

Officials state that during the next five-year period they will closely monitor the pilot results to determine whether the process is efficient and safe. Hopefully (from their vantage), once the pilot process is completed, it will be fully implemented. When they really get this process working, some 70 thousand households may be affected.

Check the date of this column. No, this is not April Fools day - this is really what these people are proposing. Now, the good news is that the treated potty water will be mixed with 80% regular water, just to stretch it out a little. Like adding extra water to the apple juice.

Water conservation is very important and its time that people start paying attention. But recycling water mixed with human waste. Let's get real. It must be real hot in L.A. this time of year for any one to seriously suggest this idea.

If you,a family member, or friend live or work there and you agree that this is silly, you had better start speaking up now. These things have a way of picking up momentum. And then, well you know what will rely hit the fan.

You might want to organize because officials and the press will pay more attention to groups than to individuals.

Speaking of toilets, several groups have been offering free to reduced price low volume toilets to South Californians. This is a very good idea, which makes the officials 1 and 1. They should also make energy efficient washing machines and dishwashers available whether for free or at reduced prices. These kinds of things are smart and will continue to pay back.

Of course, if they are going to force Californians to consume toilet water, they better make sure its treated. Look what happened a few months ago in Louisiana where a contractor apparently confused a sewer pipe for a drinking water supply pipe. Residents there got raw sewage flowing from their faucets. Not a pretty picture. But again, you can't make this stuff up.

Published: June 15, 2000

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