OUR VIEWS Consensus Opinion

Not just a dry spell

With the ongoing rain that has moistened the streets of campus for the first time in months this week, it's easy to assume that the worst of the drought is over. However, this would be a critical mistake, as we've only gotten a few inches of rain in the past few days and water levels remain at their lowest point in decades. Furthermore, there is little evidence that this week's rain is a sign of more to come-not a good thing when we would need a full-fledged monsoon season to replenish the water supply.

The facilities department is already doing its part, using water recaptured from air conditioner condensation for plants and installing low-flow fixtures, among other measures. But the efforts of the grounds crews and the administration are not sufficient; students need to take up the challenge.

Considering how long the drought has been going on, it's unfortunate that reactions are only starting to happen at this point. It's never too late, however; beginning to conserve water now is better than not doing it at all.

There are many strategies for reducing one's water consumption, many of them obvious (taking shorter showers, for instance). Some of the less obvious yet helpful suggestions include switching to cooking methods that use less water, such as stir-frying or grilling and placing a water-filled container into your toilet tank.

In the end, though, the drought shouldn't be the primary reason for conserving water; people should conserve it all the time. Atlanta is a growing metropolis with a severely limited water supply, and Tech is one of the largest water users in the city. Students should lead by example on this issue.

Funding follies

The Student Government Association passed several questionable bills this week, allocating $700 to themselves for a laptop and more than $27,000 to Musicians Network for an outdoor performance by the band Copeland.

The laptop, intended mainly to run SGA's new PRS voting system, will not see enough use to justify the cost. Worse, it appears SGA failed to investigate alternatives like getting a computer installed in room 117 of the Flag building. This would not come out of the Student Activity Fee and be useful to all.

The concert bill, passed by UHR with virtually no debate, came up for discussion only two days before the band's booking deadline. This is much too late for proper deliberation.

SGA should make sure our fees are spent appropriately; more careful oversight is necessary to achieve this.