Why Conserve Water

Graham: Tips to help conserve water

We are fortunate to live in an area where water shortages are not an issue. Nearly 450 million people in 29 countries currently face severe water shortages. Predictions indicate that within five years, at least 36 U.S. states will face water shortages due to a combination of rising temperatures, drought, population growth, and waste.

But there is hope — research has shown that residential water use could be reduced by as much as 50 percent through efficiency.  Here are a few simple, low-cost suggestions for reducing your family's water consumption.

Reduce water use from showers and faucets

Although it's often the smallest room in the house, the bathroom is where 75 percent of indoor household water consumption occurs. Seem impossible? Consider this: The average six-minute shower uses about 20 gallons of water. Reduce this amount with the following tips:

No cost:  Limit shower time to five minutes or less.

Less than $10:  Install an on/off valve between the shower arm and shower head. This temporarily shuts off the flow while maintaining the temperature, and can be a useful water-saver while soaping up or shaving.

$10-$50:  Install a low-flow (less than two gallons per minute) shower head. Previous low-flow shower heads sacrificed water pressure for efficiency, but now there are many options that don't simulate a dripping faucet.

$20-$50:  Insulate all accessible hot-water pipes, especially those within three feet of the water heater. You'll get hot water faster; avoid wasting H2O while it heats up, and save energy in the process.

Fit all household faucets with low-flow aerators (less than two gallons per minute). This is the best in-home water conservation method, and it's also the cheapest.

Toilets are the enemy

Each day, the U.S. uses 5.8 billion gallons of fresh water to flush waste. If you're in the market for a new porcelain throne, check out options with either a very low (less than 1.6) gallon per flush (gpf) rating, or dual flush controls.

This new technology provides two buttons for flushing: one at 1.6 gpf for solid waste, and another at only 0.8 gpf for liquids.  These double-duty flushers can reduce water usage by up to 67 percent compared with traditional toilets.

Feeling even earthier? Go for a waterless composting toilet and be the envy of all your neighbors.

Conserve Water Through Gardening & Lawn Care Practice « Forever ...

(ARA) – As temperatures rise this summer, so do the risks of droughts. Water shortages can be a threat to your home and community. That’s why it makes sense for Americans to conserve water as a matter of course. The best place to start is right in your own backyard.

What can you do to conserve water? Here are a few important tips:

Capture rainfall – Make the most of the rainwater that Mother Nature provides. Rain barrels are effective in capturing the rain that falls on your roof; reuse the water for your plants. Other rain capture techniques, such as rain gardens, can help capture rainfall and keep precious water on your property to replenish the ground water.

Water wisely – When rainfall is insufficient and supplemental watering is needed, do so effectively by:

Landscape by local climate - Choose drought-tolerant plants that are native to your area. These will require less water under normal circumstances and be able to survive during parched times.

Feed your grass and other plants – Well-fed plants will grow deep roots that capture and store water. A 10,000-square foot healthy lawn, for example, can absorb 6,000 gallons of water from a single rainfall. That’s a month’s supply of water for a household of two.

Mulch is a must – A two- to three-inch layer of mulch around your plants will hold moisture in the soil and control storm water runoff. Mulching has other benefits, including preventing weeds and adding nutrients to the soil as it breaks down.

The following tips are provided by  Scotts Miracle-Gro Company . They have recognized the need for nationwide water conservation. Making these water conservation practices part of your backyard routine will help your area’s water supply, particularly if everyone does their part.

The Everything Green Baby Book, From Pregnancy to Baby's First Year - an Easy and Affordable Guide to Help You Care for Your Baby - and the Earth!

Report

Report - Water Resources Center, University of California

Report (American Planning Association. Planning Advisory Service)

Conserve Water, Drink Wine, Recollections of a Vinous Voyage of Discovery