“FLUSHING the toilet can use more than 200 GALLONS (757 L) of WATER every day. That’s enough to fill nearly THREE bathtubs.”

National Geographic Kids, 5,000 Awesome Facts, 2015

For many years people have been trying to save water. It’s especially crucial during droughts and water shortages. It also helps to ensure reliable water resources for today and future generations and cuts down on the expense of water facility plants that ends up helping with energy costs.

Nowadays the federal standard of water when flushing a toilet is 1.6 gallons, whereas newer toilets flush 1.38 gallons of water. It is estimated that the average person flushes the toilet 5 times a day.

According to http://www.badelftusa.com the standard bathtub holds and uses roughly 80 gallons (302L) of water per use whereas a 10 minute shower uses 25 gallons of water, which is about 2.5 gallons a minute.

I am a bit confused on this fact because the numbers to me don’t add up but then I realized this fact was probably talking about the older, less efficient toilets that took up to 7 gallons for every flush. (weekend.com)Still, I think that this fact is an exaggeration but I believe it’s trying to say that it takes a whole lot of water to fill up a bathtub and constant flushing of the toilet sure does add up.

Anyway, water conservation is on the top of the list to preserve the planet as 40% of global population currently experiences water shortages, according to the United Nations. Less than 3% of the world’s water supply is “freshwater suitable and accessible for human use.” (earth.org) Many experts predict that half of the global population could face water shortages by 2025 if we fail to lessen our consumption and waste of water.

Inside the home

Earth.org says there are steps we can take to use water more sustainably and reduce waste such as turning off the faucet while you brush your teeth and wash dishes, take shorter showers and try to do a full load of laundry. Also, turn off the water after soaping up in the shower, then turn it back on when you need to rinse off. According to bigbathroomshop.co.UK, a trillion gallons of water is used a year just for showering across the United States.

Outside the home

Another interesting idea earth.org mentioned was to variate landscaping and gardening choices by replacing manicured lawns and gardens with native plants and succulents to lessen the need for watering. However if a lawn is necessary then limit watering in the morning but avoid it on windy days to minimize waste.

Innovations in Water Systems

Installing water-efficient irrigation systems and rainwater tanks to collect runoff are also ways to impact and conserve water resources. High efficiency toilets and washing machines help cut down on water uses.

Community Education

“Collective action around water conservation is key”, says earth.org. Community campaigns , rebate programs, working with your local government on water management policies will help on a broader scale to help save water. (earth.org)

Finally, I am more conscious of the water I am using. It’s a collective effort of all to help preserve the water that some people take for granted. Any little thing to do with cutting down on water consumption will help.