Here Are Tips for Reducing Water Waste and Conserving Water

February 1, 2010 by Tracey
Filed under Environmental Sustainability

It has been said that in the 21st century, the people of the world will begin to wage war over fresh water supplies. That’s hard to imagine in much of North America, where water is generally in ample supply. But communities in the South-west and other arid regions are well aware of how precarious the state of municipal water supplies can be. As a result, conserving water has become fashionable.

Even in areas of the Midwest that have classically enjoyed regular rainfall and plentiful aquifers, the streams are becoming polluted with agricultural runoff and toxic chemicals, making reliance upon this groundwater has become problematic and potentially harmful.

It seems a daunting task, but it is essential that people begin conserving water and treating it with care and respect. There are plenty of things you can do as a renter or homeowner to conserve water in your daily life. By making a few changes regarding where your water comes from and how it is delivered to you, each household can make what amounts to a significant impact.

Starting in the bathroom, one can eliminate a great deal of water usage by using a low flow toilet. These are simple to install and are relatively inexpensive. They often pay for themselves in water-savings within just a few years. While low-flow designs once were derided for not working very well (often requiring a second flush) they work better now that designers have applied themselves to the task. Some areas even mandate them in new construction.

Low flow shower are also a great idea. The heads don’t have to be the industrial-looking “navy heads” that were once the only option. They come in several attractive styles now that people have realized just how important conserving water is for the 21st century. Low flow faucets are available, too. Such measures can cut down on your water and sewer bill by as much as half.

Conserving Water – Xeriscaping

Conserving water can take place in the garden, as well. Lawns are water thirsty, and being replaced in very large numbers by more efficient and attractive gardens. There are innumerable types of water-wise landscapes that do a very good job of conserving water. Xeriscaping literally means landscaping to use as little water as possible. This is most often done with native vegetation. It has been popular for many years in the South-west and other places that have faced water shortages. Now, however, an increasingly large number of people in other parts of North America are installing native, efficient gardens as water sources become increasingly strained, partly as a consequence of climate change.

Another method of conserving water outdoors include collecting water for irrigation in rain barrels. While areas can collect a massive amount of water from their roofs, storage capacity often necessitates the use of low-pressure irrigation that also happens to be very efficient. Not only will you use far less water when you’re more aware of the volume you use, but such systems also leach fewer nutrients into the ground water.

Of course, eliminating pesticides that you may use around the garden is a way to protect your water quality. By planting smart, you can eliminate much of the need for chemical pesticides. There are also cultural methods you can use to keep disease from being a problem. In a pinch, there are organic alternatives to keep pests at bay.

Conserving water is a way of life in many other arid parts of the world. This trend is surely making its way to North America. Though water is relatively cheap now, the skyrocketing price of gasoline has encouraged people to consider what might happen if the price of water was to increase. Conserving water be addressed, not just in the purchasing decisions you make, but also by your usage patterns at home where you pay for it directly.