Why is Water Conservation Important?

4 Reasons Why Water Conservation Affects You!

In America, we drink water freely and allow our sinks, hoses, and showers to run as if it were free. While water is relatively inexpensive, it is an INVALUABLE resource that the Earth can run out of. Aside from the environmental concerns, choosing not to take part in water conservation efforts can adversely affect you and your family because of these surprising reasons!

What’s All the Fuss About?

We all want to shoot each other with the hose but we should consider the effects first!  (Photo credit: demandaj)

First we have to understand just how dependent our lives are on water and how scarce it actually is. We may take a look at the ocean and think, “how can we be running out of water if most of the Earth is water?” Scientific fact, right? Well…kind of. The majority of the water on the Earth is in fact ocean water but it contains too much salt for human consumption. Try living off of salt water and you will probably die of dehydration within a couple of days.

Only 3% of water on the Earth is fresh water. For this reason, water is actually one of the Earth’s most valuable natural resources. Every person on the planet needs water to survive! We often take for granted how lucky we are to have access to clean running water while a large portion of the global population is in need! The next time you let your water run in the sink while you brush your teeth, think about how valuable that water is! It may cost you pennies, but water will soon become a hard to find luxury if we don’t start conserving!

1. Salt Water Intrusion

Saltwater intrusion is the movement of saline water into freshwater aquifers. To keep it simple, it’s when salt water begins to creep into the earth’s underground freshwater supply. Got it? Fresh ground water sits on top of a layer of salty groundwater. When we pump out too much fresh groundwater, the salt water is drawn up and can contaminate our water supply. Saltwater intrusion is irreversible and the detriments of causing an event like this cannot be understated.

2. Sinkholes

60ft. Sinkhole In Guatemala in 2010.  Yes, this is real!  (Photo credit: catherinetodd2)

Have you ever seen a sinkhole? Imagine a huge gaping hole in the middle of the street that would make you think that the Earth was splitting in half right before your eyes. Not good! Sinkholes occur when we pull more water out of the ground than the Earth is naturally putting back in it. When we do this, it creates a gap in the land. Gravity being gravity pushes the Earth down and then boom, you have a sink hole. To avoid this, we need to practice water conservation techniques to decrease the amount of water we consume.

3. Saves Energy

Here’s a no brainer but sometimes we need the reminder! Water companies use an enormous amount of energy bills to pump the water throughout our cities. In fact, 6.5% of California’s energy cost goes towards moving water to and from one place to another. Pretty staggering statistics! When we participate in water conservation, we save energy as well! Help reduce your carbon footprint!

4. Protect the Earth’s Natural Eco-Systems

Nearly the entire Earth is dependent upon an abundant supply of fresh water. Humans and animals alike depend on the same source. If we continue to waste water and pollute our natural resources, it will be detrimental to the Earth’s natural eco-systems.

Map of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.  All the debris collect at the convergence zone.  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here’s something for you to ponder. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a giant collection of marine debris located in the Pacific Ocean. The patch extends over an extensive area and some experts say that it is nearly the size of Texas! This patch is composed of high concentrations of plastic, chemical sludge, and other debris that are the result of human pollution. We must work together to become environmentally conscious of how our actions affect the Earth and ourselves!

About This Post
Cheryl Khan is an interior designer and freelancer. While she is not a “tree-hugger,” she does believe in responsible environmental and social living. She encourages everyone to take small steps toward making the world a better place!