Environmental (Commonwealth Union)_ While droughts have always been a defining feature of California’s climate, the intensity and frequency of these dry spells have been amplified by human-induced climate change. When Eric Haas moved to Oakland in 2007, California was grappling with a historic drought severe enough to prompt a statewide emergency. Recognizing the need for sustainable solutions, Haas took action by installing a rainwater and greywater capture system at his urban home, a step that not only conserves water but also integrates seamlessly with his low-carbon lifestyle.
Haas’s journey toward environmental consciousness began long before his move to California. In 1985, after graduating college, he joined the Peace Corps and served as a math and science teacher in Buchanan, Liberia. It was there that he gained an appreciation for resourcefulness and simplicity in daily living. Carrying his own water and observing innovative ways locals adapted to their environment sparked an understanding of how basic changes could significantly enhance comfort and sustainability. “Life could take into account the environment you lived in,” Haas reflects. “Relatively simple ideas could make a huge difference.”
Years later, when Haas and his wife settled in Oakland, they chose a home that allowed him to pursue his vision of a low-impact lifestyle. Partnering with Dig Cooperative Inc., a Bay Area contractor specializing in water conservation systems, Haas installed a rainwater and greywater collection system. The rainwater system collects up to 4,000 gallons annually from his roof, with the filtered water used for toilets, the washing machine, and most of his plants. In case of emergencies like fires or earthquakes, the water can also serve as a backup supply.
The greywater system takes “used” water from the shower, bathroom sink, and washing machine, redirecting it to irrigate Haas’s vegetable garden and six fruit trees. An average household of four generates over 30,000 gallons of greywater a year, but Haas’s home uses less due to efficient appliances and low-flow fixtures, still providing ample water for his plants.
Haas’s efforts have paid off. While the typical household in his area uses 124 gallons of water daily, Haas averages just 39 gallons, a third of the norm. Despite the $15,000 upfront cost, the project was simple and quick, with installation completed in about a week. While water in Oakland is inexpensive, saving him only about $220 annually, Haas values the broader environmental benefits of his system over personal financial gains.
Climate changes over the years have underscored the importance of such measures. When Haas first installed the system, his tanks stayed full through California’s dry season. Now, extended droughts mean his rainwater only lasts about ten months, and excess water during heavy rains often overflows into the sewer. California’s aquifers struggle to replenish as fast as they’re drained, and visible signs of overuse—vanishing lakes, sinking land, and water restrictions—remind residents of the urgent need to conserve.
Haas advocates for more widespread adoption of rainwater and greywater systems, especially in new construction or retrofits. These systems not only reduce household water bills but also alleviate municipal infrastructure costs, including water processing and runoff management. They allow for sustainable living without sacrificing comfort. Haas enjoys a hot tub, regular showers, and a lush garden, all integrated into his water-saving setup.
For Haas, this endeavor isn’t just about efficiency; it’s a way to reconnect with nature. “Every time I hear the greywater pump go on or see rain pouring into the system, I know that’s water I’m not taking from the system, and that matters,” he says. Watching his system at work brings him joy and serves as a daily reminder of the impact small changes can have on the environment.
As California faces increasingly dire climate challenges, Haas’s story offers a compelling example of how individual actions can make a difference. By embracing sustainable practices, we can mitigate the effects of climate change while preserving resources for future generations.
