During our recent, catastrophic flooding in Cedar Rapids, the city was placed on severe water rationing--no dishes, no laundry, crucial flushing only. City engineers and volunteers staged a "last stand" sandbagging our only remaining water pump on high ground, to avoid losing all water entirely. I had made certain we were stocked up on food, water, and other essentials in the week leading up to the crest, so we were fine with switching off the tap. And we did, using only a pittance of city water for 4-5 days. Meanwhile, many local bars were pouring water out freely (our local paper went around and graded them all on water conservation, by name), letting everyone and anyone use the can, and a nearby self-serve car wash place that had temporarily closed had to call the police because people were sneaking around to the back of the stalls to wash their cars.

Some people learn, prepare, conserve, and pay attention to the needs of the community. Some don't. It's both inspiring and demoralizing at the same time.