The Stream, March 5: How Much Shower Water Wasted on Getting Hot?

The Global Rundown

A new study says that India, Bangladesh, and China are most at risk due to increased flooding from climate change, while the government of Thailand is testing floating houses to prepare for climate-related flooding. Also in Thailand, the government is offering rice farmers substitute jobs due to extended drought. Hong Kong‘s water rates may double. Finally, the average American wastes 20 percent of their shower water.

“It’s better not to fight nature, but to work with nature, and amphibious architecture is one answer.” — Chuta Sinthupan, architect of the floating house being tested by the Thai government in anticipation of more climate change-related floods. (Reuters)

By The Numbers

20 percent – The portion of water wasted during the average American shower while the bather “waits for it to warm up” – usually becoming distracted by some other task. It’s termed “behavioral waste.” Washington Post

36,000 – Number of rice farmers in central Thailand who have taken jobs offered by the Thai government because of drought conditions in the region. Thai Visa News

Science, Studies, And Reports

A study conducted by the World Resources Institute and four Dutch research groups says that India, Bangladesh and China are most at risk from river floods. Climate change and economic development in low-lying areas are contributing factors. The number of people world-wide at risk could more than double by the year 2030. Reuters

On The Radar

Water rates in Hong Kong will have to double for the utility to pay for itself, according to an expert from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Driving the high cost of water is the price of importing it from the mainland. Asia One

In preparation for the effects of climate change, Thailand is testing houses that float. One “amphibious house”, as they are known, was completed in September of 2013, cost around $US 86,000, and sits on steel pontoons filled with Styrofoam. Construction on the next floating house is set to begin in August. Reuters