⚓ Welcome to Tidal Echoes

Series: “Youth Speaks Its Mind” (A republication of our hometown newspaper, The Suffolk County News, from 65 years ago)

Our history isn't just a timeline; it's a series of waves that shape who we are today. In this series, we revisit the bold voices of Sayville’s past. Today, we listen to Erich Tietze as he warns about the vital importance of water conservation in 1962.

Originally published in The Suffolk County News on January 11th, 1962. Transcribed for the Sayville Alumni Association.

The Conservation of Water

By Erich Tietze, Sayville High School

The conservation of water is a growing problem of the world. It is believed that in 20 years we will have to ration our water if we continue with our present rate of consumption.

We are beginning to experience this in the Western lands of the United States now, but we in the East seem to take our water resources for granted. For example the farmers of the Southwest are facing a difficult problem obtaining water for irrigation. The same is true of the Rocky Mountain states. They depend on heavy snowfall, averaging around 12 feet per year, and the spring run off to fill their rivers for irrigation. Last winter their snowfall was far below average and this summer was very dry besides. Naturally there was a scarcity of water. The Idaho farmers obtain their water from the Snake River which drains Jackson Lake. On account of this drought the level of Jackson Lake was lowered 30 feet to supply these farmers with enough water to irrigate their crops. The story is the same throughout all the Midwest. Water is becoming scarcer and the area is becoming drier.

This is not the case in the East, but it very well could be if we are not careful. For example there is a road construction in upstate New York which is building its project along side of one of our rivers. It seems they have no thought of this river for in many places they are filling it in to obtain a wider section for the highway. If this keeps up we too may be facing a serious water shortage sooner than we expect. It is about time we realized that our natural resources are extremely valuable and can only be of use to us if we manage them carefully and conserve what is left. This must be accomplished not only to protect the beauty of the United States, but for our protection too. Something must be done, so let's help.

⚓ Cast Your Thoughts

How do these words from 1962 land today? Reflecting on Erich Tietze's insights:

• do you remember any local water conservation efforts or concerns in sayville during the early 60s?
• erich predicted rationing within 20 years—how do you feel our local relationship with our water and rivers has changed since he wrote this?
• does his warning about "taking our resources for granted" still ring true to you today?