The weekend arrives with students out of school in Grand Forks and a hockey game with Mankato State brewing Friday at UND. The Hawks football team will meet up with Sacramento State out there in California on Saturday.
And there are pumpkins just waiting to turn into pie.
Then there's water.
Most of us are wasting plenty of it. That was the message I got when I helped judge a tasting test during the state water conference here this week.
I guess the Bismarck water was rated first for taste. To me, the water from the four major cities of North Dakota all tasted pretty much alike.
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The message in literature floating around was clear. It's a good idea to conserve water.
Every time a toilet is flushed, about seven gallons of water go into the sewer.
That's according to the American Water Works Association. And it says toilets should not be used as trash cans to flush away tissues, gum wrappers, cigarette butts, spiders or diapers.
About those showers: Most of them pour out between 5 and 10 gallons per minute. The literature suggests timing yourself. The odds are you don't need a shower running at full blast.
About those leaves: American Water Works says using a hose to sweep them away is another water waster. Instead, it suggests using a rake and broom to clean up sidewalks, driveways and gutters.
Running water
The water convention rotates annually around the four major cities of North Dakota. It gives people a chance to visit the displays.
Among the visitors was Ben Maendel from the nearby Forest River Hutterite Colony. And outside of manganese content, he says the water supply there is good.
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We chatted.
He said around 30 families and 140 people make up Forest River Colony. There are 30 children in school.
Ask Marilyn
Q. What are some of the clever license plates spotted lately around here?
A. I MOW 4U, MGR8FUL, C N SAY, FNLYPD4, VIKEFB, 4COOKIE, BRADSKAR.
Q. How do automatic dishwashers claim the most water in the kitchen?
A. The American Water Works Association tells us they use about 12 gallons per run. The secret is to make sure the washer is fully loaded before you turn it on.
Joel and DeAnna
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Cheerful people of the week: Joel Janatuinen and DeAnna Carlson Zink.
Reach Marilyn Hagerty at mhagerty@gra.midco.com or by telephone at (701) 772-1055.
