Climate change has an enormous impact on water resources. What can we do to save water?
With world climate shifts, constant tropical storms, and destructive hurricanes, we need to learn how to save water. But first, let’s discuss the problem of water scarcity in the world and what effects it has.
The impact of climate change on water
1. The Statistics
Why all the fuss about water? It governs how the world adapts to climate change. A holistic look at how water integrates with the environment and biosphere will allow countries to develop systems that slow it down and protect their citizens from extreme weather.
According to the World Health Organization, four out of ten people lack water. Water shortage leads to diarrhea, which kills about 2.2 million people yearly. UNESCO states that about 1.8 billion people will live in areas with extreme water scarcity by 2025.
Water shortage will displace between 24 to 700 million people. Land in sub-Saharan Africa will not be suitable for agricultural development by the 2080s if we continue to wastewater.
2. The Water Cycle
Your Geography and Science teachers would have introduced you to the water cycle. You’d know that evaporation dries out water from some areas and floods others.
There is either too much or too little rain these days, evidence that the water cycle is changing. Warming temperatures cause more snowfall and rainfall. Snow and ice melt earlier in the year than expected. Temperature changes also alter the flow of rivers near mountainous areas.
The occurrences of Level 5 hurricanes such as Harvey and even more recently, Irma were the consequences of climate change.
Moreover, people and animals need more water as temperatures rise. There would be less water for economic activities, such as operating the facilities at power plants or raising livestock. Competition for water resources will increase further as the Earth warms.
3. Water Supply
There is already a worldwide shortage of water. Many areas in the United States are experiencing a lack of water. Western parts of the country have less rainfall than before. Droughts last longer than before.
4. Water Quality
The quality of water has also declined. Heavy rain causes problems for water infrastructure, e.g., reservoirs, dams, and water treatment plants.
Freshwater resources face threats from rising sea levels. Saltwater moves into freshwater areas as they increase. The rises force water managers to look for more freshwater sources and supplies.
The Effect of A Decrease in Water Resources in Various Economic Sectors
1. Agriculture
First of all, climate governs the growth of crops. Although an increase in CO2 may benefit in some areas, it causes problems for farmers when there is a drought. Furthermore, it spreads bacteria, encourages the growth of nutrient-grabbing weeds and threatens food safety. Also, heat waves may destroy livestock.
2. Ecosystems
A decrease in water also causes a shift in ecosystems. Animals and plants have less hospitable habitats, which leads to their extinction.
3. Energy
Furthermore, a lack of water and extreme heat will increase our need for electricity used for air-conditioning. It also decreases the rate at which power plants convert fuel into electricity.
4. Health
Also, heat waves increase with a corresponding decrease in water. These lead to heat-related illnesses and deaths.
How to Save Water with These 20 Everyday Activities
A lack of water can have disastrous consequences. The good news is that we can do our part to conserve it. Here are a few suggestions you can try to save water every day.
1. Using shower buckets
First of all, use shower buckets instead of letting water flow into drains. You can flush the toilet or water plants with the collected water.
2. Brushing teeth
Another way to save water is to turn off the tap while brushing your teeth. This statistic is shocking: water gushes out of taps at 2.5 gallons per minute.
3. Flushing
This tip may not suit everyone. Of course, the toilet is where we use the most water. You may not need to flush all the time, so don’t if you’re only urinating.
4. Fix leaky faucets
A lot of wasted water comes out of leaky faucets. Whether you hire a plumber or repair them yourself, fixing them can mean a significant cut on your water bill.
5. Turn off your tap
Also, don’t let the water run out of taps. Turn them off while you’re scrubbing your hands.
6. Reuse cooking liquid
If you are only boiling pasta or eggs, the boiled water will be clean. Use it to cook other dishes.
7. Head for the car wash
You will use more water than needed if you wash your car at home. Take it to a car wash that uses recycled water instead of doing so at home with a hose.
8. Take shorter showers
A long shower is relaxing after a hard day. Showerheads release as much as 6 gallons of water a minute. Turn yours off while you soap yourself and make things quick for some water savings.
9, Efficient Fixtures
Aerate your faucets regularly. If you’re thinking of renovating your home, invest in a low-flow toilet. Use efficient shower heads and a Water Sense dishwasher.
10. Shrink your lawn
Lawns are beautiful but use a lot of water. Use smaller landscapes that incorporate water-wise features, succulents, and other plants that thrive in drought.
11. Don’t run a half-filled washing machine
Don’t operate your dishwasher or washing machine until it’s full. A half-load of clothes results in gallons of wasted water.
12. Rain barrel
Harvest rainwater in barrels. You can use it to water your plants or wash your car. You won’t waste water using the hose.
13. Use less water to flush
Older tanks use a lot of water. If you use one, fill it with a half-gallon of water.
14. Keep an eye of your water bill
Do you have a high water bill? A leak could be the culprit. Get a plumber to check on your water lines.
15. Watering your outdoor plants
Water your plants in the early morning. The cooler temperatures mean that the plants will need less water. They’ll also lose less of it due to evaporation.
16. Don’t hand-wash dishes
You’ll use gallons of water if you hand-wash dishes. Put them in a basin of water before washing them.
17. Use less electricity
Power plants need gallons of cooling water. By keeping switches off, you’re using less water.
18. Bathe the dog outdoors
Water your garden while bathing Fido. You’ll finish two tasks at once, and use less water too. Just make sure that the shampoo you use doesn’t harm plants.
19. Skip showers
You may not need to shower twice a day if the weather’s cold. Skipping one bath a week leads to significant water savings.
20. Re-use greywater
Finally, you can re-use run-off water from dishwashers to flush toilets. Do check if it’s legal to re-route water in your area.
Try these water-saving methods at home. Watch your bills shrink, and do your part to conserve the environment.