You’ve likely heard that a lot of the earth’s surface is covered with water. Some estimates put the coverage at 70 per cent. But despite all that water, there is a water crisis around the globe. The problem is that many people (just under 800 million to be exact) don’t have access to fresh, clean water. There are obvious health implications to water scarcity, but there are economic consequences too. Lack of water not only breeds disease; it creates a cycle of poverty and hardship.
Realizing the scope of the crisis, in 1993 the United Nations established World Water Day, which is celebrated every year on March 22. It is observed to bring awareness, both to the problem and to the search for solutions around the world.
Wondering how you can help? Here are some tips.
Start With Your Plumbing
Your efforts for water conservation start right at home. Did you know that a leaky toilet can leak over hundreds of liters a day? Same goes for a leaky faucet. If you’ve got a leak in a pipe somewhere, then you may be wasting all kinds of water.
Become a leak detective to understand what you are up against. Keep an eye on water bills; if they creep up with no explanation, you may have a leak on your hands. If your water meter is inconsistent as well, that can be a sign.
Leaky faucets are obvious, but leaking toilets can be a little sneakier. To test your toilet, drop food colouring in the tank. Wait a few minutes and if the colour makes its way into the bowl, call for repairs, because you have a leak.
The Water Crisis and Wastewater
Every year, a different theme is celebrated to highlight different aspects of water scarcity. This year, the theme is “Wastewater”. Treatment of wastewater is an important part of creating sustainable water solutions. It helps communities make the best use of the resources available to them. Properly treating wastewater can not only create a much-needed resource, but it can also help reduce the incidence of waterborne disease.
Tips on Water Conservation
Small steps make a big difference. Shorten your shower. Don’t leave the tap running when washing dishes by hand. Don’t leave the tap running when you are brushing your teeth. If you’ve got children, don’t fill the tub all the way to bathe them. Put the plug in as soon as you turn the tap on.
When taking care of your lawn and garden, don’t overwater your lawn. Make sure that sprinklers aren’t watering the pavement and gutters. Cover gardens in mulch to retain water. Use a watering can instead of a hose to water the garden.
Have you thought about low-flow showers and toilets? We can tell you about the benefits for water conservation. Call us in Vancouver, BC at (604)-734-0890.
