World Water Day sets to bring attention on the importance of freshwater, and how individuals and governments alike can best sustainably manage and preserve this vital resource.
Water is essential to life itself, and with the surge of urbanization and necessary lifestyle changes, humans are using and wasting, more water than ever before.
Is the Water Supply in Crisis?
Estimates predict that over the next 50 years, human population will rise by 40 to 50%. Already, our freshwater sources are becoming scarce. There are several results to how the over consumption of water is affecting the planet, including:
Environmental Crisis: The extreme depletion and pollution of water sources have disastrous effects on aquatic ecosystems and organisms which need these sources to survive. Aquatic ecosystems require healthy amounts of high-quality water, or the natural balances cannot be regulated.
Agricultural Crisis: Water irrigation for crops is estimated to amount to 70% of water usage worldwide. People’s reliance on water reliant crops, such as rice and wheat, as well as factory farm produced meat, is unsustainable. Even a single cup of coffee requires up to 55 gallons of water, which is mostly used for growing the beans.
Luckily, there are beneficial methods to sustaining and reducing reliance on water. Activists and scientists alike are working tirelessly to spread the message on the importance of avoiding water pollution at all costs. This can be done by effectively managing the disposal of waste, hazardous materials, and chemicals in a safe manner.
How to Save Water at Home
Developing a few healthy habits at home can make a big difference in the amount of water used daily. Opt for showers instead of baths, as an average bathtub requires roughly 37 gallons of water to be filled. Turn off the water when brushing teeth, and attempt to water the lawn as little as possible during the summer months.
Plumbing technologies have advanced greatly in previous years, and individuals have the option to install water-saving hardware around their home or business, such as:
- Faucet Aerators: These aerators work to break up water flow into fine particles, effectively performing the same as a full flow faucet, but uses less water.
- Garden hose nozzles, which turn off water flow when not in use.
- Dual-flush toilets. These toilets are equipped with two levers, allowing users to opt for more or less water when flushing. These toilets use up to 67% less water than traditional toilets.
- Energy-efficient, or low-flow showerheads, which can save up to fifteen gallons during each ten-minute shower.
The Plumbing Service Company serves the Greensboro, NC area with any plumbing services or questions. Contact us at (336) 502-8540 to schedule an appointment today.