Many parts of this country are suffering from a water shortage. Poor California, it has both an energy crisis and a water crisis to contend with. But California is starting to find workable solutions for its energy crisis. And, wait until you see what they are doing about the water problem -- drinkable potty water.

California water conservation officials have actually proposed recycling effluent from wastewater treatment facilities into what they call "drinkable water". I call it disgusting! I wonder if they checked with their marketing department to glean probable public acceptance before going public with this gem. If they haven't, they should not waste much money or time because I can tell the officials for free that it is a stupid idea.

Kind of up there with having the federal government accidentally set New Mexico on fire to avoid forest fires. Remember when the feds did that? This is just as crazy. Or when the feds ordered that we put MTBE in our gasoline, without considering the ruinous consequences on drinking water when the stuff leaks from underground tanks. Where do they find these people, anyway?

This is supposed to represent the next generation of water recycling. But, one has to imagine that the rich neighborhoods won't be affected, just the regular folks who can't afford to fight. Do you think people in Beverly Hills will cook with recycled water from peoples' bathrooms? I'll bet you dollars to donuts they will not.

California officials insist that this water recycling program is safe and represents a good solution to California's chronic water shortage problem. So, I say let them (the officials) drink it. Published reports suggest that much of the drinking water consuming public agrees with my opinion: its stupid.

Currently, the program is in the pilot stage, which means that it is being tried on a small-scale basis to determine whether the process actually works. If you or a friend or relative live around there, you ought find out exactly where this pilot study is located. Let's face it, do you think they will tell you if you don't ask?

Officials state that during the next five-year period they will closely monitor the pilot results to determine whether the process is efficient and safe. Hopefully (from their vantage), once the pilot process is completed, it will be fully implemented. When they really get this process working, some 70 thousand California households may be affected.

No, this is not April Fools day - this is really what these people are proposing. Now, the good news is that the treated potty water will be mixed with 80% regular water, just to stretch it out a little. Like adding extra water to the apple juice.

Water conservation is very important and it's time that people start paying attention. But recycling water mixed with human waste. Let's get real. It must be real hot in L.A. this time of year for any one to seriously suggest this idea.

The information provided in this column is written by Stuart Lieberman,a practicing environmental attorney, and is for general information purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be used in place of legal advice.

Stuart Lieberman, Esq., and IRED.Com, Inc., will not accept any responsibilty for any reliance on the information in this column or any damages whatsoever resulting from reading this column.