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When people think of water shortages or the drought that their local community is experiencing, it’s hard to contemplate that the water shortage isn’t just a local problem or even a state problem; it’s a worldwide problem!

Thinking about things on a global scale is sometimes hard to comprehend, the enormity can be breathtaking! However, it’s true; this ‘water’ planet of which we live on is indeed running out of water.

The main causes for this travesty are the increasing world population and global warming! The world population is already at 6 billion and is projected to reach 9 billion by 2050. With the increasing population, the demand for water is reaching levels beyond the earth’s ability to provide.

The rising temperatures are responsible for disrupting the water flow patterns and increasing the severity of floods, storms and droughts, which in turn affects the availability of our drinking water.

There are many ways that we can do our part to save on our water consumption. By doing the little things and changing a few simple habits you will not only help save on your water bill and help save the planet but it kinda makes you feel good when you’re doing it!

Don’t let our precious water just run freely down the drain when it can be used for something like watering plants or filling up your mop bucket for cleaning.

Have periodic water leak checks around your toilets, faucets and any other plumbing within the home. A few clever ways to check for leaks is to check your water meter and write down the number displayed, do not use any water for two hours and then check the numbers again. If they are the same; you’re golden! If not, then you more than likely have a leak somewhere. You can check your toilets by adding food coloring to the tank, within 30 minutes the color will change if you indeed have a leak.

Avoid flushing things down the toilet that can be disposed of in the waste paper basket, such as tissues, bugs or Q-Tips.

Don’t let the water in the sink continually run while brushing your teeth or washing your face.

Use left over water from boiling food like eggs, pasta or vegetables for watering your plants. This will save water and add some extra nutrients to your plants at the same time.

When washing your dishes by hand, fill up one sink with soapy water and place the dishes that you have washed in the other sink and rinse them with the sprayer all at once.

Reduce your shower time. Get yourself wet and turn off the water while you soap up. Then turn the water back on to rinse off. We call them “Caribbean Showers” in our house.

Don’t use running water to thaw out your meat. Place your meat in the refrigerator overnight to defrost. It’s a waste of water and not real reliable when it comes to killing any bacteria that resides in the meat.

Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator for glasses of drinking water, instead of running the water every time you need a drink.

Never use your dishwasher or washing machine for a few items, always make sure you have a full load.

Water your garden in the early morning hours. There are actually two reasons for this one! It helps to prevent evaporation and water loss and as a side note: it helps prevent slugs and a few other ‘garden pests’ from munching on your veggies!

It’s all just a matter of changing our habits!

~Wind

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