Water scarcity and water conservation

Water is essential to all living beings on planet Earth, which makes it one of our most precious resources! Although we can go weeks without food, we can only live a few days without water.

1. What does “Water conservation” mean? It refers to reducing the usage of water. It is also the treatment and recycling of waste water for different purposes such as drinking, cleaning, cooking, agricultural irrigation, etc. It means using our water supply wisely and caring for it properly.

   

2. Why is it such a big deal?

   “Water scarcity already affects every continent. Around 1.2 billion people, or almost one-fifth of the world’s population, live in areas of physical scarcity, and 500 million people are approaching this situation. Another 1.6 billion people, or almost one-quarter of the world’s population, face economic water shortage. […] There is enough freshwater on the planet for seven billion people but it is distributed unevenly and too much of it is wasted, polluted, and unsustainably managed," (United Nations ‘Water for Life’.)

3. How much water do you use? Go to The Home Water Works website, or H20 CONSERVE. These websites estimate how much water your household uses and compare it to an average and a highly efficient home.

4. What can I do about it?

• “There are a number of ways to save water, and they all start with you,” Water Use It Wisely.

• You could learn more about this problem, for instance you may read our free ebook Water.

• Conserving water at home can be as simple as turning off the tap and taking shorter showers. Avoid running the water continuously for brushing your teeth, washing your hands, shaving, rinsing kitchen utensils and dishes or cleaning vegetables and fruits.

• “Be careful about what you throw down your sink or toilet. Don’t throw paints, oils or other forms of litter down the drain,” Water-pollution.org.uk.

• Use energy efficient dishwashers, washing machines, and dry clothes on the washing line. Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.

  

• Install water-efficient toilets and taps in the bathrooms, buy and use energy efficient appliances. Check for leaks and fix them as quickly as possible. Install dual flush systems in your toilets if possible.

• Get involved. Become a volunteer or a member of an NGO. Donate your money wisely: Caritas, Oxfam, TheWaterProject, WaterForPeople, etc.

Be aware, do your own research before rushing into action! Donate your time and money to charities that do not spend huge amounts of money on fund-raising and staff salaries.