Water is a natural resource that is essential for life on Earth. It is part of the hydrologic cycle, which involves the evaporation, precipitation, and collection of water on the planet. Freshwater, which is the water we drink and use for most of our everyday activities, only makes up about 3% of the water on Earth. The rest is saltwater, which is not suitable for human use. This makes freshwater a precious and finite resource, and it is important to conserve it for future generations.
As humans, we tend to waste a lot of water. In fact, according to the United Nations, about 30% of the world’s water is wasted due to inefficiencies in the water supply system and poor water management practices. An average person uses about 100 gallons of water per day, but only about half of that is actually used for essential needs like drinking, cooking, and hygiene. The other half is wasted through things like taking long showers and running faucets while brushing teeth.
Here are some ways to help save water:
1. Cooking: Cooking as an everyday activity, is an act that requires the use of water, it is a very important requirement. However, to save water while cooking, one can wash vegetables in a bowl of water instead of under running water. This simple step can save several gallons of water per day. Another way is for one to soak dishes instead of rinsing them under running water. This can save up to 20 gallons of water per day. Also, one can cover pots and pans while cooking to prevent water from evaporating.
2. Collect rainwater: Collecting rainwater is a great way to save water and money. By collecting rainwater, you can reduce your reliance on municipal water supplies, which can save you money on water bills. Additionally, collecting rainwater helps to reduce the amount of runoff that ends up in storm drains and sewers, which can prevent pollution and flooding. Furthermore, rainwater is better for plants than tap water, as it is free of chemicals like chlorine and fluoride. So, not only does collecting rainwater save water, it also provides your plants and crops with a healthier source of water.
3. Take shorter showers: shorter showers can save a lot of water. When taking a bath, one can save water by turning off the tap while soaping up or shaving. This can save up to 5 gallons of water per bath. One can also install a low-flow showerhead on your bathtub faucet, which can reduce water usage by up to 50%. A typical bath uses up to 70 gallons of water, so reducing the amount of time you spend in the tub can make a big difference. Also, turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth can save up to 8 gallons of water per day.
4. Laundry: there are a few ways to save water when doing laundry. If one is using a washing machine for laundry, wash full loads of laundry, as running a half-full load can waste up to 15 gallons of water. Also, use the cold-water setting on your washing machine whenever possible, and, be sure to use the appropriate amount of laundry detergent, as too much can require more water to rinse the clothes. Additionally, air-dry your clothes whenever possible instead of using a dryer, as this can save a lot of water and energy. However, for hand laundry, there are also a few simple tips to save water. First, use a washboard or basin instead of running the water continuously while scrubbing clothes. Secondly, reuse the water from hand-washing clothes for other household chores, such as mopping floors or watering plants. And lastly, if you must use a dryer, be sure to clean the lint filter regularly, as a clogged filter can reduce efficiency and require more water to dry clothes.
