Water Conservation – You Can Help

Did you know that only 3% of the earth's water is fresh water? Here's another nibble of food for thought. The human body is about 70% water. That means that we, as humans, require a lot of water … fresh water.

So it goes from being a good idea to conserve and preserve our sources of fresh water, to a vital concern. The future of humanity depends on our stewardship of this precious resource. You need to drink water. That is vital to your health, but conserving water in other areas is a big step towards helping us prevent a worldwide fresh water shortage. Here are few tips.

First, think about all the ways you use water. Bathing, washing the car, doing the laundry, filling the pool might come to mind. I bet you didn't think about turning on your light switch. If your utility company provides your home with water-generated electricity (usually a dam in involved in the generation process) you need to remember that it can compromise a reservoir of potentially vital drinking water.

Now, while you may not be able to change how your electricity is generated, there are methods for saving water on a personal level. You'll need to set a realistic goal for cutting back on water consumption at your house. I'd suggest you go with fifteen to twenty percent each month. Before you can start, you'll need to gauge how much water you currently use. Your utility bill can help, or you can find charts on-line that will give you an estimate on how much water is used in various activities. Total your water usage in gallons and then plan how you can cut back in order to conserve money and precious water.

Does your home have water-saving appliances? There are washing machines and dishwashers that cut back water consumption. Low flow toilets prevent you from literally flushing valuable water down the drain. Some of these items can cost more than their less efficient counterparts, but are well worth the investment.

Get your entire family involved. Shorter showers and baths can help you save a lot of water. Hand watering your petunias instead of using a sprinkler to keep them alive will save gallons over a single growing season. Doing the laundry or the dishes? Even with water efficient appliances, do not wash until you have a full load. Make the most of every precious drop of water.

One big way to save water can also save you big money. Have your house checked for leaks. The average home can have four to five leaks which, unknown to the homeowner, are allowing precious water to seep out into the ground or, worse yet, into the drywall or under the tiles. Sources tell us over 13% of household water is wasted by leaks. Leaks that are left without repair not only waste water, they cost you big on your utility bill.

These are just a few ways to save water in your home. If you'd like more ideas, go to your local water department's website. It's your planet and your water supply. Do your part to preserve both for today and for the generations to come.