The Wise Use of Water
Conservation can be defined as: 1. the care and
protection of natural resources; 2. The act of keeping from being damaged,
lost,
or wasted.
| Clean water may be cheap and plentiful now, however, it may not
be that way in the future. This valuable resource must be conserved
and protected |
Water conservation can lead to substantial savings in sewer, energy,
and water bills. For homeowners with septic systems, conserving water
reduces wear and
tear on the system, and less energy is required for pumping well water.
The amount of water now available on the planet earth is basically the
same as it has been for millions of years.
The average household uses 250 gallons of this water every day. Consumption
could be decreased by 15-20% without major discomfort or expense. Conservative
water use habits should be encouraged and promoted throughout your watershed.
Facts about the Earth's Water
- Approximately 80% of the earth's surface is covered with water
- Only
1% of the earth's water is usable fresh water. The remainder is
salt water (97%) and water frozen in glaciers. (2%).
- Much of the earth's
fresh water is unusable due to pollution.
- Nature recycles water
in an endless cycle.
- Ground water is being used more quickly than
ground water is recharged
- Water exists on earth in finite quantities.
When it is polluted or wasted, "new" water to replenish
our supplies cannot be created.
Making a Difference in the Community
- Encourage local government to make water system and water quality
improvements a high priority.
- Encourage environmentally compatible
development over wasteful land uses in the community.
- Learn to
recognize existing and potential water quality problems in streams
and springs.
- Bring water quality problems to the attention of the
proper government officials
- Participate in a stream or sinkhole
cleanup program.
Making a Difference at Home
- Use low-flow faucets and shower heads, reduced-flow toilet flushing
equipment, and water saving appliances.
- Check for water leaks.
If the water meter dial moves while no water is being used, there
is a leak.
- Take short showers instead of full-tub baths. Avoid letting
faucets run unnecessarily.
- Fully load dish and clothes washers.
- Wash cars only when necessary.
Use a bucket and a spray nozzle to save water.
- Go to a commercial
car wash that uses water efficiently and disposes of runoff properly.
- Water lawns during the coolest part of the day to avoid evaporation.
Do not over-water.
- Use slow watering techniques such as trickle irrigation
or a soaker hose.
- Use mulch to hold in soil moisture.
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