Most Americans don't worry about how much water they use. But life depends on having enough clean, fresh water and this precious resource is becoming more scarce every single year.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, at least 40 states may be experiencing water shortages by 2024. So we should all do our part to learn about the importance of water conservation and what we can do to help.
Why is water becoming scarce?
Water is a renewable resource, but that doesn't mean that fresh water is always going to be available when we need it. It takes time for the water cycle to be completed, and transporting fresh water can be difficult. That means that in some places, serious consequences could occur before the situation can be remedied.
Why should you care about water conservation?
Water is not just used for things like watering plants, showering, and doing the dishes. Large amounts of water are also required to produce energy, electricity, fuel, and meat and dairy products, among other things. A lack of clean water can impact food supplies, transportation, and cause sickness or death for animals, humans, and the environment. According to The Guardian, thousands of children die each year from preventable diseases as a result of not having access to clean water. Water contamination can also disturb and destroy important ecosystems, and has been linked to diseases like cancer.
What are some ways to conserve water?
Since water is connected to almost everything we do, there are many different ways to start reducing your water consumption in every area of your home.
Kitchen: Install a water-efficient dishwasher, and only run it when it's full. If you wash your dishes by hand, fill up the sink rather than using running water.
Bathroom: Replace your showerhead with a water-efficient version. Take shorter showers, or shower every other day. Taking a bath also uses far less water than a shower. Check your toilet for leaks and don't flush every single time you use it. Collect the water from your shower in a bucket and use it to water plants.
Outdoors: Use sustainable landscaping so that your yard does not require intensive watering. Water during the cooler times of the day, and consider letting your lawn go without water in the hottest months. Install a sprinkler system so that your watering is limited and on a timer.
Making sure this necessary resource is available to all depends on everyone doing their part.
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