CasaSugar

This Just In: Celine Dion Top Water Waster

CasaSugar — Wed, 28 May 2008 16:00:14 -0700

Water conservation's been on my mind lately, since my local utility wants residents to cut water use by 19%. It seems like water conservation and rationing is big news all over. In fact, the central coast of Florida is in a drought, and the Palm Beach Post has revealed that the biggest water waster is crooner Celine Dion. While her heart may go on, apparently so does her sprinkler system, showers, and faucets, if her water bill is any indication.

How much water does the Canadian songstress use? Well, enough to fill a bathtub every four minutes, if that's a good visual. In more concrete terms, her Jupiter Island 5.7 acre property uses 6.5 million gallons of water a year - normal water usage is only 120,000 gallons a year. Here's hoping the singer will learn some tips from fellow celeb Leonardo DiCaprio and buy an eco toilet, as well as learn how to turn off that sprinkler system. I'd offer her the suggestion of shaving her legs without the water running, but apparently she's already got that covered.

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In the News: Lance Armstrong's a Champion of Water Wasting

CasaSugar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:00:16 -0700

Although there are many things to admire about cyclist and activist Lance Armstrong, his blatant water abuse isn't one of them. According to the New York Times, Armstrong's Austin home guzzled down 330,000 gallons of water in July alone! For comparison, most US households only use 120,000 gallons of water in a year. I've told you about Celine Dion's bad water habits in the past, but Armstrong's rate takes the cake, especially since Texas is going through a bad dry spell.

To find out more, and to see photos of Armstrong's house and water-guzzling gardens, read more.

In Armstrong's defense, he was quoted in an article in the Austin American-Statesman as saying "“I’m a little shocked. . . . There’s no justification for that much water.” However, the retired cyclist has consistently used a gluttonous amount of water in his Austin home. The New York Times article notes,

But city water records suggested that his home has long been a guzzler of water, using an average of 158,000 gallons a month since January 2007. Then, in June, the cyclist shot ahead of the pack, topping the city’s list of residential water users for the first time, officials said. That month his house and garden drank up 222,900 gallons.

The 8,000-square-foot Spanish-style mansion, which was recently featured in Architectural Digest includes three acres of gardens and a swimming pool, which could explain some of the water use. However, there's just no justification for this type of blatant water use. Perhaps Armstrong should consider native landscaping or xeriscaping for his Texas home.

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Casa Capsule: The Week That Was

CasaSugar — Sat, 31 May 2008 10:38:34 -0700

The Jolie-Pitts made a French connection.
The biggest water waster is Celine Dion!
Now you know how to get the look of Samantha Jones in your home.
I introduced you to lighting designer Shannon Shapiro.
Got some spare time? Make some easy vinyl iron-on coasters.
Salma Hayek's bro, Sami, launched a bedding collection for Target.
Mr. Big made a (real estate) commitment.
One artist found a way to make people pay for trash.
Scarlett Johansson is moving to Midtown Manhattan!

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