Taken For Granted

It was Saturday, December 4, 2015 and I was at home getting things done.  I’d run to the store to pick up some vegetables for a salad and when I got home, I planned to do some laundry, wash the dishes and make a salad. I’d spent most of the morning on the computer, and we had a holiday party to attend later that evening.

At 12:20 p.m. I turned on the washing machine… and nothing happened. Well, there was a small motor sound, but no water. I turned it off and turned it back on. Still nothing. I was baffled, and a little distressed.  I needed a washing machine. I thought, “Good thing my last roommate still has MY washer.  Looks like this one is done.” I sent a message to my husband, telling him that the washing machine appeared to be broken.

I headed into the house to do the dishes. Turned on the faucet. Heard air in the pipes. No water came out. None.

No water.  NO WATER?!

Over the course of a few hours I realized how much I depend on that clear, clean liquid that comes out of every faucet and spigot on our property. I couldn’t rinse the vegetables for the pot luck dish I was taking to the party. I couldn’t wash the clothes I planned to wear. I couldn’t take a shower so I’d smell nice for the party. I couldn’t wash my hands if I decided to work in the garden to pass the time. I couldn’t wash the dishes piled up in the sink.

The water was only off for about four hours, but it was a long four hours.

I’ve been pretty responsible for a couple of years now about not running water if I’m not using it, even turning it off while I am brushing my teeth, but I admit that I still leave it running a lot more than is necessary.

I hear folks talking about the drought, the water shortage, and I don’t think much of it.  But — WHAT IF — one day I woke up and there was no running water? What then?

Today I am much more aware of my water use, and I am grateful for that faucet of running water.

Photo: Logan River, Utah – July 3, 2013