Conserving Water Resources

 

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When green programs are discussed, most of us think in terms of global warming and what we might emit into the air. But going green embraces the broader goal of preservation of all of our resources, of which water is one of the most important. It's one of the most important because the availability of clean drinking water, which we tend to take for granted, is becoming alarmingly endangered.

Between 1950 and 2000, although the U.S. population nearly doubled, public water demand more than tripled, according to government statistics. As both the U.S. population and the demand for clean drinking water grows, the availability decreases. At least 36 states are anticipating some form of water shortage by 2013, according to a U.S. government survey.

Some sort of collective effort obviously needs to be undertaken. Whether having small businesses owners save a gallon here or a gallon there will have any real impact on water conservation remains to be seen. In the meantime, we'll just have to console ourselves with the thought that every little bit helps. The suggestions commonly offered today for how you might do a better job of water conservation range from the practical to the borderline ridiculous. Consider the following list and pick and choose those items that make sense to you and your circumstances:

• Maintain your plumbing and fix all leaks, including dripping faucets. The Red Cross says that a faucet that drips one drop per second wastes 2,700 gallons per year. Those drips add up in a hurry.
• When older equipment that uses water needs replacing, replace it with energy-efficient appliances. Consider those products labeled by the EPA as WaterSense products. WaterSense is to water products what ENERGY STAR is to electrical products. For more, see the EPA's water sense website.
• Insulate your pipes to avoid heat loss.
• Try not to use clean drinking water for non-drinking purposes, such as watering plants. Consider taking steps, for example, to recapture water from hand washing to water plants or to use water from sources such as unfinished cups to water plants.
• Clean windows only on an as-needed basis (now there's one we can all get on board with).
• Consider getting a waste audit, which would tell you more specifically where your water is being wasted. For an online do-it-yourself tool, see this online waste audit tool. For assistance with a waste audit involving water use, contact your state environmental protection office.
• Consider purchasing a low-volume toilet. In the alternative, install a toilet displacement device, which reduces the water needed for each flush.
• Avoid unnecessary flushes. Dispose of insects, tissues, and similar waste in the trash rather than in the toilet.