Saving Water Makes Sense

Drought Conditions

Research scientists claim that, by mid-century, the average global temperature could be 1.4°C to 3°C warmer than the global average temperature measured between 1961 and 1990. Even moderate estimates place the temperature increase by 1°C (Nature Geoscience).

Rivers drying up

While it may be raining and flooding up north, portions of the USA are in a severe drought that is second only to the drought in the 1950s. National Geographic reports eight (8) large rivers worldwide are drying up. Two of these mighty rivers are in the United States.

Colorado River

The Colorado River is dry because of demands of a growing population of 30+ million: diverted and dammed along its 1450 miles; and heavily used by farmers, industry and municipalities. Today, only about one-tenth of the river flows to the delta on the Gulf of Mexico.

Rio Grande River

The Rio Grande (Big River) is another river in trouble. In 1992, Santa Elena Canyon was “For dedicated river runners, Santa Elena features the famous Rock Slide, a swirling series of Class IV rapids that sling boats . . . (Texas Handbook).” Today, The Rio Grande often fails to flow to its delta on the Gulf of Mexico.

What can you do to survive in this time of severe water shortage?

 

Mechanical changes

Change showerheads and toilets to low-flow. Fix all leaks immediately. A running toilet can waste two gallons of water per minute. A silent leak in a toilet can waste up to 7,000 gallons of water per month. To determine if you have a leak, turn off all sources of water.  Go outside and see if your water meter is still turning.

Grey water

Use natural, phosphate-free laundry soap and filter your grey water from the washing machine, one of the home appliances that uses the most water. Use this water for those tasks that require water, but not drinking water. This water may be used, as is, to fight fires that threaten your home. If the drought worsens, you may want to add a filter so that you may drink it. You may find filters for this at www.watertanks.com. 

Rainwater

Recycle rainwater. You can find from 62-gallon Rainwater Harvesting Wall to 500-gallon water storage tank at WaterTanks.com. With a minimum of filtration, rainwater may become drinking water. How much water may you recycle? One inch of rain on 1,000 square feet of roof can produce 6,000 gallons of rainwater.

Go native

Plant native grasses, trees, shrubs and flowers. Do not restrict airflow around your home, but shade it during the heat of the day. Use drip irrigation, a very water efficient process. Find the perfect water container for your gravity fed system at WaterTanks.com. They have a Huge Selection of Tanks.

Change your habits

Turn the water off while you brush your teeth or wash your face, then turn on again to rinse. In the shower, wet your body and turn water off. Apply soap and shampoo, turn water on and rinse. If your dog needs a bath, take him in the shower with you.

Do not use water pressure to clean outside, use a broom or leaf blower. Never run a partially full dishwasher or washing machine.  Use the least amount of water to complete your task.