CO2 Solution

I read a story in the Washington Post with this headline:

“The controversial practice of storing carbon underground may be safer than we thought”

Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas and as such it would be preferable if we didn’t release it into the atmosphere. One way of getting rid of excess carbon dioxide (a.k.a. CO2, or more properly CO₂) is to store it underground.

Of course, many communities draw their municipal water from underground aquifers. If carbon dioxide finds its way into these aquifers, it’s entirely possible that it would convert their ordinary water into fizzy water. Perhaps one day in the near future, people will be able to open a faucet and fill a glass with seltzer.

But I wonder, what will it feel like to shower with seltzer? It might be refreshing, or it might tickle like crazy as the tiny bubbles explode against our skin. And how will our laundry fare after being washed in seltzer? Will it remove stains better than regular water? Believe it or not, this topic has been hotly debated for years. Scientists just don’t know.

And I just thought of this: what will seltzer water do to our plumbing? The carbonation makes the water slightly acidic. Will it corrode our pipes, Flint-style? When we’re using the porcelain facility, will the tiny bubbles make our derrières damp?

Clearly this area of research needs a lot more study, and if any government agencies are willing to fund me, I will volunteer to study the effects of using seltzer water in our homes. I should be able to do the study and hold the cost to no more than … let’s see, what does a fortnight in St. Lucia cost? I’ll have to get back to you on this. Meanwhile, just keep me in mind. Thanks so much.