Depleting reservoirs, lower groundwater levels, and polluted lakes and rivers put human health and the environment at risk. Add to this the fact that we waste a lot of water as a nation, and we have a potential catastrophe on our hands.
America ranks in the second position for the most water withdrawals per capita. This means that the average American requires 1,207 cubic meters of freshwater per year. Compare this to 523 cubic meters for the average Australian or a mere 76 cubic meters for the inhabitants of Luxembourg. So, there is no denying the fact that water wastage has become endemic for our nation.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, leakages and seepages in US homes waste around 900 billion gallons of water annually. Now factor in that only 3% of global water reserves is actually potable or usable. This water wastage exacerbates the problem of the unavailability of freshwater resources resulting in severe environmental crises and water scarcity.
It’s important to understand where we might be going wrong and fix the problem before it becomes an unavoidable disaster.
5 Common Ways Of Wasting Water
Are you a part of the problem? Let’s explore the top 5 ways people waste water and if you are guilty of any of these.
1. Water Wastage in The Bathroom
Older fixtures and fittings in your toilet can be a reason for water wastage.
New toilets are built to flush with fewer gallons of water than old ones.
These commodes were built to use as much as 6 gallons per flush. Another problem is their bowl and tank fill at different rates after flush. If one fills up before another, the excess water goes down the drain.
The good news is that modern toilets with water sense only use 1.28 gallons per flush
Moreover, watch your older fixtures for the flapper seal. You will notice that water runs more than it should. Sometimes, it gets damaged and allows water to escape. Another thing to look out for is the handle, it may not seem that big of a problem, but if it gets stuck and you forget about it, you will end up wasting a considerable amount of water.
2. Taking Too Long In The Shower
On average, American showers use around 17 gallons or 65 liters of water, which makes 2.1 gallons per minute for 8.2 minutes of bathing. So, we might be wasting a massive amount of water in minutes.
Some people can spend more than 10 minutes in the showers, and the numbers can go up to 20 minutes. According to EPA, an average US household uses 40 gallons daily for showers.
You can reduce water wastage by turning the shower off when soaping or scrubbing. It might also be a good idea to install a water-sense shower head to save as much as 3 gallons in an 8-minute shower.
3. Using Bottled Water
Bottled water contributes to two very harmful factors. One is plastic waste, and the other is the water crisis.
There are good chances that most of your bottled water comes from states that are worst hit by drought. Reports show that most bottled water comes from California State, which has been worst affected by the water crisis. Moreover, there is often nothing special about bottled water – it’s the same as tap water.
The excess use of bottled water means that you unknowingly play a part in taking water from states badly affected by drought.
4. Water Leakage From Faucets
When it comes to leakage in American homes, the usual suspects are faulty faucets, pipes, and toilets. These leakages don’t seem much, but they can cause 1 trillion gallons of waste nationwide.
So if you are worried about wasting water, check your home thoroughly. It’d be best to hire your local plumbing service to identify the source of the leak. One method to identify leaks in winter is to check the water consumption, ensuring that it’s lower than what your family consumes in the summer.
Also, check your water meter before and after consumption. If it is still going even though all the taps and faucets are turned off, then you probably have water leakage.
Frost and freezing can damage the pipes and cause leakage. Moreover, make sure to check your in-ground irrigation system. Businesses should also keep an eye on workplace leaks; inspect your premises periodically to avoid water wastage.
5. Wasting Water While Brushing Teeth, Washing Or Washing Face
Leaving the water flowing while you brush your teeth or massage your face contributes to wasting water. According to EPA, turning off the tap or faucet can save 8 gallons of water per day while brushing teeth and 10 gallons per shave.
Whether washing your face or brushing your teeth, keep the water tap closed to prevent wasting excess water.
How Is Wasting Water Bad For The Environment?
If untreated water waste enters our ecosystem, it will cause oxygen depletion and biodegrading of organic materials. Often wastewater contains chemicals from detergents and other materials. This water can pose significant damage to nature and the environment.
We have seen a significant water crisis in Cape Town, South Africa, in the past few years. Research shows megacities like Los Angeles, Beijing, and Sao Paulo are next on the list of cities facing water shortages in the next ten years.
However, there are a few valuable lessons to be learned from the Cape Town water crisis. Following are some key points:
- Water quality management which includes water waste treatment plant
- Empower citizens and government collaboration to save and refine water
- Timely repairs to prevent water leakage
- Focus on sustainable development
Save Water With Superior Plumbing And Drains
Play your part in saving water and preventing the global water crisis by fixing all the leakage and faulty equipment in your home and workplace. Contact Superior Plumbing and Drains LLC today for a complete plumbing installation and repair package.
Visit our website today to learn more about our services, or give us a call at (704) 289-6858 if you live in the Charlotte or Union County area or (704) 813-2888 if you live in the Gaston County area.
