Daily Water Conservation
On any given day in America, you might find water running freely down the gutter, or spouting sky high from a broken sprinkler, giving the impression that fresh water is abundant. However, fresh water is actually one of our most limited renewable resources. Less than 0.5 percent of the water on Earth is fresh, with over 95.5 percent being saltwater. This small percentage is not just for those of us in the United States, but what we must share with the citizens of the world.
When we take a look at the data, it is clear that the United States uses an extensive amount of this fresh water. In fact, each person in the U.S. uses over 100 gallons of water per day, twice the amount used by most Europeans and 40 times as much as those living in third-world countries.
Most of the reserves are from finite groundwater, with approximately 50 percent of what we use daily coming from groundwater. Aquifers, a body of saturated rock through which water can easily move, contain a small amount of water, but because they are below ground, rain and surface waters do not replenish what is utilized. Once groundwater sources are depleted they're gone forever.
According to The United Nations, as much as ¾ of the earths’ population will face freshwater shortages by the year 2050. In America, water managers in 36 states “anticipate water shortages locally, regionally or statewide within the next ten years.” Humans are not the only causalities of this shortage, as several fish populations have been impacted mostly within the past century.
There are steps everyone can take to save this precious resource. Some that will save the most water- with gallons based upon monthly usage – include: 1) Water your yard less and utilize native plants. Save 750-1150 gallons. 2) Fix leaky plumbing. Save up to 600 gallons. 3) Utilize a car wash that recycles the water. 4) Install water-saving showerheads or flow restrictors. Saves 500 to 800 gallons. 5) Run only full loads in washing machines and dishwashers. Save 300 to 800 gallons 6) Shorten your showers. Even one or two minutes can save up to 70 gallons. 7) Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk. Save 600 gallons. 8) Don’t use your toilet as a wastebasket. Save 400 to 600 gallons. 9) While you wait for hot water to heat out of the tap, contain the flow for later use. Save 200 to 300 gallons. 10) Don’t water sidewalks. Save 500 gallons.
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