9 Steps to Conserving Future Water Supplies

Scientists predict that there will be water shortages in the future decade. This is due to the rising average global temperatures that have shifted which has resulted in the reduced average rainfall in some areas on the globe while other areas are flooding. That along with a growing population and urban migration, water is a necessity we all need for our survival. Thankfully, I am not a bearer of bad news though, amongst these predictions is also a ray of hope. Although the future holds water shortage concerns, with proper water conservation, responsible resource management and more technologies to efficient water conservation we can curb this issue.

Starting as individuals, we all have a responsibility to help conserve future water supplies and we can start in our own homes. We are fortunate in the western world to live near fresh water supplies that are plentiful. In other areas of the world, such as in Africa, they must walk a few miles to a river bank and collect themselves water for drinking and cooking. It's not fresh clean tap water, it comes from a muddy river. They appreciate what the water available and have had to learn how to conserve water. Our future water supplies are predicted to hit crisis mode over the next few years if we are not conserving.

So some questions to consider for ourselves might be: Do we have water efficient technologies in our own homes? Are we conserving where we can, by reducing the water wasted by personal habits? Below is list some simple water conservation tips that anyone can perform to reduce our environmental foot print.

1. Use a low-flush toilet or consider buying one.
2. Check water faucets for leaks.
3. Replace or use a low flow shower head.
4. Collect ran water in a ran water bin to water plants or your garden.
5. Reduce watering your lawn or install a trickle or drip irrigation system that will filter water below the grass into the earth.
6. Brush your teeth or shave with less water, turn off the faucet when it's not in use.
7. Run full loads of laundry or dishes instead of running the washing machine or dishwasher more often.
8. Wash dishes in the sink in less water.
9. Instead of bathing, take showers.

By taking these few simple steps, you are helping to ensure today and future water supplies are not depleted. The future can be hopeful but we all need to think about our impact on the environment and the future of our beautiful mother earth.

For more water conservation info please see these websites:

http://www.wateruseitwisely.com/100-ways-to-conserve/index.php

http://www.on.ec.gc.ca/reseau/watertips_e.html

http://www.epa.gov/WaterSense/