Water conservation has been a trending topic for decades. In the earliest environmental and sustainability discussions and debates, water conservation was, and continues to be, at the forefront. I think this is because water is vital to all living organisms, including ourselves, humans. Without access to fresh, clean water, we would not be able to meet some of our basic human needs, including food security, sustained hydration, and we would have limited ability to clean ourselves or our clothes, dishes etc. This is why water is so important and always relevant in the environmental discussion.
With it being such an important resource, its rapid depletion and overuse is worrisome for this generation and generations to come. Climate change and water conservation go hand in hand, as climate change is leading to more increased flooding (from heavy rainfall and rising sea levels), as well as drought and extreme heat. You might think flooding and heavy rains may be helpful in water conservation but it actually does the opposite. Flooding can actually lead to freshwater pollution and put communities’ water supply at risk. Additionally, with climate change dramatically impacting how farming and land use is utilized (drought, etc), water is becoming an even more in-demand natural resource. This is quickly becoming one of the leading impacts of climate change- water scarcity. Since water is so intricately tied to many essential human needs (food, health, etc), we cannot afford to waste such a precious resource any longer.
We all need water to survive and we as a human population continuously take advantage of it. Especially here in Ontario, where we are lucky enough to be surrounded by a plethora of fresh water resources from the great lakes. Not all communities, cities, or countries for that matter, have this luxury. Actually, over 600 million people do not have access to fresh clean water and over 2.7 billion people experience some kind of water shortage for one month of the year. I have seen this while traveling, but we have been fortunate enough here in Ontario to never face these types of issues. Given this, it is up to all of us to save as much as we can of this limited, but essential, natural resource.
So what can we do as consumers to save more water? Here are 10 ideas to implement around your home that might help reduce your water use:
1. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth
Something so simple, and yet, sometimes even I forget to do it. But think about how much water you could waste by just letting is run for the full 2 minutes of brushing your teeth – a lot!
2. Running full loads of laundry & dishes
This may seem obvious, but it’s not always for people that live alone or do not generate a lot of clothes/dishes. This is also effective at saving electricity and reducing your bills!
3. Opt for using a dishwasher over hand washing dishes
As if I needed another reason to be convinced to own a dishwasher! Dishwashers actually use less water than washing dishes by hand, saving you time and money. But as the above initiative states, make sure the dishwasher is totally full before starting it up!
4. Low flow everything
From faucets, to shower heads and toilets, get low flow everything. This helps with how much water you use immensely, without hindering any of your daily routines.
5. Take shorter showers
If you can, try to reduce your shower time or frequency. Many people shower multiple times a day, which is just wasteful if it is not required.
6. Do not over water your lawn (or sidewalk)
Did you know that 30-60% of fresh, domestic drinkable water is used to water lawns and gardens in the summertime? Oftentimes, this water is being overused, or mis-used, as sprinklers or hoses get misguided and end up watering driveways or sidewalks.
7. Fix leaks asap
Sometimes leaks can go unnoticed for months on end. Not only is this not ideal for water conversation or your water bill, but water damage can be detrimental to your house. To save money and water, fix your leaks as soon as you can!
8. Install a rain barrel for outdoor watering of lawn/plants
This is an easy way to repurpose water that would otherwise be wasted!
9. Plant drought resistant plants and trees
The less water intensive your garden is the easier it is for you and the more water you can save.
10. Buy a pool instead of running hoses or sprinklers for kids
Although it seems like a lot of water all at once, a pool actually collectively uses less water all summer long then weekly sprinkler outings. This is because this water is reused and retreated all year long.
As we have mentioned, water conservation is important for a plethora of reasons. We all have to do our part in protecting all of the earth’s natural resources, and water might be one of our highest priority areas. Water is used in many facets of human existence, some essential, some not so essential, but it is important we make an effort regardless. Some of the largest water use comes from manufacturing, industrialized farming and really, from many industries across the board, so its overuse cannot be solely to blame on consumer or residential use, but that does not mean we should not all do our part, every drop saved counts!