Taking on Water

November 12, 2012
In case you needed another harangue about sustainability, here comes self-proclaimed "Water Diva" Pabich (according to Buddhist tradition, this is a water spirit, "connected to all liquids"). To be fair, Pabich has a Ph.D. in environmental engineering from M.I.T., and is a recognized water expert, so if there is someone you should listen to on the subject of your wasteful water consumption, it is probably her. The impetus for this book was in fact Pabich's own water bill: the realization that she and her husband, James, had used "almost 30,000 gallons" of water in a month at their Idaho home. The disparity between her water usage and her water diva status causes Pabich to research and innovate in an attempt to curb her direct use of water and reduce her "water footprint"âthe water required to produce other products she consumes, such as olive oil and bread. Pabich presents well-researched facts and some tips, but the book is relentlessly energetic in a way that can be off-putting. Perhaps only those fired up on the water-use issue themselves will find some common ground. Agent: Laurie Abkemeier, DeFiore and Company.

November 15, 2012

Wendy Pabich's (founder & president, Water Futures, Inc.; Idaho: An Explorer's Guide) book mirrors Colin Beavan's No Impact Man--both trace their author's journey to have less of an impact on the environment. Pabich, a self-proclaimed water deva, realizes her family's consumption is incongruous with her role as water conservationist. She challenges the paradox of value in relation to water: while it is deceptively inexpensive, it is a finite resource that is vital to supporting life on earth. Pabich traces where her water comes from; where it goes; and how to conserve as much of it as possible by reducing her family's direct use, shrinking its water footprint, and making better consumer decisions. Her account illustrates the pitfalls and hard work associated with becoming more conscientious regarding water, but also ultimately demonstrates that everyone can make significant changes to help conserve this precious resource. The appendix includes a water cheat sheet and water-footprint data for selected foods. VERDICT This engaging memoir proves how easy it can be to think at the sink and help conserve water. Recommended for those looking to change wasteful water ways.--Diana Hartle, Univ. of Georgia Science Lib., Athens

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2012
Pabich, who holds a PhD in environmental engineering, presents a passionately personal account of fulfilling her dreams as a WaterKeeper that contains quantitative data and scholarly insights without being the least bit off-putting. Pabich's chagrin at her monthly water bill tallying 30,000 gallons for two people jolted her in ways that many readers will relate to. Her self-image as a water deva (spirit), author, teacher, and public champion of sustainable water use compromised, she designed what she calls the Water Deva Challenge. Reducing her water footprint meant making small changes in her life in a high-alpine-desert locale, from enjoying her homemade solar shower despite having to disrobe in a backyard with a less-than-solid fence to developing a system for the judicious harvesting, collecting, storing, and distributing of rainwater while contriving arid landscaping alternatives to our deeply embedded cultural attachment to the lawn. Pabich winningly works DIY information into her humorous memoir.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)