Paul Mann is the founder of Water Champions, an engineering and design firm specializing in the efficient and smart use of water. He joins Ted Flanigan to discuss how this came about, and what each of us can do to be water smart.
During Covid, Paul and his wife experienced California drought and fires, and began to realize the enormous importance of water at home and worldwide. Fully half of the Earth's population lives in water-stressed areas, and given population growth, demand for water will grow by 20 - 30%. "Water shortage is imminent."
Paul and Jenna Mann's story began at home, with an outdoor shower next to their hot tub. They rigged a system such that the shower's water came from captured rainwater, harvested in a large tank. The shower's drain was channeled into their three-level garden beds. These and other measures -- including leak detection systems and irrigation controllers -- cut their water use by a shocking 60 - 70%. They found that new technologies, like recirculating water shower systems, cut water and energy use while delivering more fulfilling showers. These systems collect and reuse water, they clean it, reheat it, and disinfect it with UV. Their discovery with basic practices and new technologies resulted with them wanting to share their experiences, pamphleting their neighbors, telling them about their success. This launched Water Champions.
Today Water Champions provides consulting service for homes and businesses to help them use water efficiently... from the water source to its reuse, ultimately supporting end-uses such as drought-tolerant landscaping and permaculture. Paul and Jenna also created the Renova Academy which trains architects, designers, landscapers, homeowners, and others online. One need not give up the pool, Paul explained. Through smart water use, Water Champions helps people maintain quality lifestyles through a portfolio of water solutions.
