Water Conservation Makes Sense
There are so many reasons why water conservation is important
but the most important one is that water is something we cannot
live without. We take our water supply for granted, and maybe
there is enough to satisfy our needs now, but without dedicated
efforts at water conservation, that may not be the case in future
generations.
Long-term droughts are occurring all over the world and pollution
is making many sources of water unusable. This all adds up to
a dwindling supply; a situation that will either take care of
itself naturally or continue on indefinitely. But rather than
gamble on the chance that the situation will change for the better,
there’s a more guaranteed approach available right now and that
is water conservation.
Why practice water conservation?
Water conservation simply means using and wasting less. It can
be as simple as turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth.
Stop for a moment to think of all the ways you use water every
day. If that’s difficult, think instead of all the things you
could not do without water. You couldn’t wash yourself or your
clothing or your dishes. You couldn’t water your lawn, flush the
toilet or clean your pets or your car. After several days, you
couldn’t even live without water.
When water conservation is practiced, everybody wins. It takes
a lot of energy to pump water, to move it from point A to point
B, and to treat water before it is drinkable. By using less, we
automatically conserve energy. By using less we also are helping
ensure an adequate supply for future generations. And we’re limiting
damage to the natural habits that also need water to survive.
Here are some useful water conservation strategies to consider:
• Fix leaks and drips. It’s not that hard to do. Just get out
the tools and replace washers or pipes and tighten connections.
If you allow leaks and drips you may as well drop dimes down the
drain because not only are you wasting water, you’re wasting money.
• Go low-flow. Replace shower heads, toilets and faucets with
low-flow version that reduce the volume of water but still get
the job done. Many faucets now come with the ability to “pause”
the water by pushing a button or lifting a lever. Pausing the
flow of water while shaving, shampooing and brushing teeth is
a great habit to develop. The end result is noticeable water conservation.
• Save rainwater. This definitely is one of those water conservation
tips that just makes sense. You won’t use the collected water
for human consumption, but it’s perfect for watering plants. Collect
rainwater in a rain barrel or even a spare trash can. If you’re
really serious, you could even install an underground cistern.
• Plant native vegetation. Anyone who lives in a hotter climate
zone and who cares about water conservation should do this. Plants
native to such areas have adapted to a drier life and are more
tolerant of local water conditions.
You don’t have to wait until there’s a water emergency in your
community to start practicing water conservation. You can start
today!
Water Conservation Resources:
Search for Water Conservation
Info
USDA-Water
Conservation
How to Save Water in your
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