Drought, drought, drought.  It's often the topic of conversation these days.  I have run into a few old timers who remember the drought of 1931.  In their opinion, we are not in as bad shape as they were in 1931.  This may well be so, but are we comparing apples to apples?

    We have a much greater demand for water now than we did 70 years ago because of greater population.  Furthermore, technology of today consumes more water.  It is a sacrifice for us to take quicker showers, forego car washes, and load our dishwashers completely prior to a wash cycle.  Many folks of the 1930's were not required to make these sacrifices.  Indoor plumbing was not always common,  and dishwashers did not exist.  For many, a car was something you did not need to wash, as you did not own one.

    The impact of drought on crop production has been significant both now and in 1931.  The major difference that I see from the consumer viewpoint,  is that anyone who cannot obtain food now,  probably couldn't obtain food prior to our drought.  In 1931 many folks depended on what was growing in their backyard for survival.  As for the farmer's welfare, many urbanites may not be able to feel their pain.  For our area, gone is the day of discussing the price of a bushel of grain while waiting your turn at the Main Street barbershop.

    There are many in the region that have encountered dry wells, thus suffering a great financial hardship.  There is talk of closing our local nuclear power plant if the cooling lake level drops much further.  This may be a preview of what could actually happen to all of us if the river ran dry.  It is always pleasing to romanticize about simpler times such as the Main Street barbershop that was once the anchor of commerce, now replaced with chaos and congestion.

    The folks who remember 1931 would probably elect not to have to repeat the earlier drought given the choice of the two.  These folks would probably advise us to count our blessings,  and earnestly conserve water.  There are portions of the good old days to which these folks would probably bid good riddance.  Until next week.