Is there a word to describe that phenomenon where something is invisible to you until someone points it out, then you become hyper aware of it? You know what I mean. Your best friend buys a car you’ve never heard of or seen before, and suddenly you see that car everywhere. That’s how I’m starting to feel about water issues. I can’t tell whether I’m now more aware, or if I’m seeing increased discussion of the topic because it represents a potentially dire crisis needing attention. As an example, when entering a bookstore over the weekend I was met with a whole magazine rack filled with the latest National Geographic; a special issue about water. I see water everywhere now.

Less than a year ago I hadn’t yet delivered a presentation exclusively about water. Water was part of a larger slide show I’ve been giving around the country, but I didn’t have enough material for a dedicated lecture. Then I met Joseph Treves and Sherri Akers who were organizing the Mar Vista Wise Water Use Expo (I posted about it here). Mar Vista is a very progressive bedroom community in Los Angeles aggressively pursuing knowledge and looking at how to transform their neighborhoods into more sustainable communities. They asked me to develop a short, but powerful, show just about water. The three of us crafted a compelling message concerning excessive water usage in southern California, how changing climate conditions are impacting supply potential, and the very serious need for conservation. When delivered it was one of the briefest shows I’ve ever done; a mere twelve minutes. But based on reaction it was one with significant and lasting effect. From it, I’ve met more fascinating people than all of my previous shows combined.

Janie Thompson was in attendance that evening. She’s told me several times how my show convinced her to rip up her lawn and stop eating meat. Although that kind of reaction was not my intention, it’s nice to hear. Too often I think audiences forget what’s been said the minute they leave the venue. But Janie was so moved by the entire event that she decided someone had to start generating awareness in her own community of Encino. That person turned out to be her.

Janie is what I would call a fireball. If you ever meet her, and I recommend that you do, good luck getting a word in. Don’t misunderstand that comment as a negative. She talks fast and has a lot to say. As a result of what seems like boundless energy she’s single-handedly bringing greater attention to water issues throughout the Valley and within her community. She’s also created her own event inspired by the one in Mar Vista last year. It’s called the Valley Water Expo. It’s scheduled for Thursday, April 22 (the fortieth anniversary of Earth Day) from 6pm to 9pm at the Balboa Sports Center. It’s free to attend and will have  exhibits and speakers, including me.

Also participating will be Chris Brown, the Director of the California Urban Water Conservation Council; Pamela Berstler of Green Gardens Group LA (G3LA); and Thomas M. Erb, the Director of Water Resources at the LA Department of Water and Power. Each of us will present for fifteen to twenty minutes and will be followed by a panel discussion. Janie has also gathered an impressive collection of manufacturers and service providers who will have exhibit tables. There will be a one hour block dedicated to those exhibitors between 6 and 7pm. To sweeten the deal even more, there are more than fifteen raffle items that will be given out during the evening.

Over the past nine months I’ve presented four times exclusively about water. That’s not a large number, but it tells me that either I was oblivious to the growing importance of the topic, or there’s greater public interest than I knew of. Either way, it appears that water use issues are becoming more relevant and communities are getting more engaged in the discussion.

I wish Janie luck and thank her for asking me to participate. I look forward to the event and hope that if you’re in the LA area you’ll stop by. I’m certain that many Earth Day events are scheduled throughout the city, but I bet this one will be the most interesting. Join us.

Click on the icon below for a text only download version of this post: