For the past couple of years, California has been experiencing a significant amount of drought. Unfortunately, there is no clear timeframe of when this drought will be over, and some scientists believe that it may become the ‘new normal’.
In addition to California, a lot of the western US is also suffering from a shortage of rainfall, and the states are slowly learning how to reduce their water usage.
Central California in particular, is short on water due to fast urbanization and a higher demand for water since the average American uses 150-250 gallons of water per day. With the threat of no water in the future, now more than ever is the time to understand the importance of saving water and how to use it wisely.
The Importance of Saving Water
Two-thirds of the earth is covered in water, and about 75 percent of the human body is made up of water. Therefore, water is vital to life on earth, so it is pertinent to be aware of how much water we are using, and the importance of saving water.
You may not even be aware of it, but water is tied to almost every source of life in some form or another. Here are a few ways that you use drinkable, non-salted water on a daily basis:
- Drinking
- Cooking
- Washing and cleaning
- Making electricity
- Irrigation
Everyone everywhere needs water, but California’s intense drought has serious consequences on the entire world’s economy since the state produces a significant amount of America’s food, which increases water usage.
California Food Production
In the U.S., California produces 99% of the following:
- Almonds
- Artichokes
- Dates
- Figs
- Kiwis
- Olives
- Pistachios
- Prunes
- Raisins
- Cloves
- Walnuts
California also produces 83% of the U.S.’s strawberries.
The Dilemma
If the mega drought does get any worse, the food market around the globe will be affected since the price of these items will skyrocket. Currently, California relies on basin water for its supply, but the basins are also running dry.
This drought is serious, and there is a huge need for everyone to conserve water so there is enough supply to last further into the future. Heavy rainfall is uncertain, so we can’t depend on it as a water source.
11 Tips to Conserve Water
Here are eleven tricks and tips to save water, because whether you believe it or not, every drop counts!
- Use appliances (faucets, toilets, dish washers and washing machines) labeled ‘water sensed’
- Don’t flush the toilet every time you go to the restroom
- Go to a car wash instead of hosing down your car, since most car washes recycle their water
- Turn off the water when you are brushing your teeth or washing your hands
- Take quick showers and don’t wash your hair every day (use dry shampoo!)
- Reroute your water system to reuse ‘grey water’ in the toilets
- Install a rain barrel to catch rainwater for the plants
- Don’t run the dishwasher or laundry machine until you have a full load
- Ensure nothing (pipe, appliance, etc.) in your house is leaking
- Use mulch to retain moisture around plants and trees
- Don’t run the water to wait for hot or cold – rather keep water in the fridge or warm it up on the stove
The importance of saving water is quite clear, as it is vital to helping retain the earth’s natural resources that are needed for everyday life for today and in the future. By utilizing these simple tricks and becoming more aware of water usage, you can do your part to conserve water and prepare for the future.