Green by the Numbers: Fast facts about water and ways to save water
Did you know?- Almost 70 percent of the earth's surface is covered in water. Of that, 97 percent is saltwater. Less than 3 percent is freshwater.
- About 2 percent of freshwater is frozen in ice caps and glaciers. Only one percent of all the water on earth is fresh drinkable water.
- There is a freshwater shortage. Globally, one out of six people do not have access to safe drinkable water.
- In the US, almost 80 percent of water is used for irrigation and thermoelectric power. On average, each person uses 80 to 100 gallons of water per day. Most water use results from flushing the toilet.
With so much of the earth's surface covered in water, it seems counter intuitive to believe we have a need to conserve water. But, since most of the water is saltwater, and not drinkable water, we do need to find ways to protect our freshwater supply.
According to experts, we can increase water supplies by converting saltwater to freshwater, building more dams and reservoirs, and finding methods to improve efficient water use. Some of the ways to reduce water use are:
According to experts, we can increase water supplies by converting saltwater to freshwater, building more dams and reservoirs, and finding methods to improve efficient water use. Some of the ways to reduce water use are:
- Install a low-flush toilet or make a low-flush toilet on the cheap.
- Install a low-flow shower head.
- Do not let water run continuously when brushing teeth, shaving or washing hands.
- Repair faucets that drip and pipes that leak.
- Only wash laundry when there is a full load, same with running the dishwasher.
- Use rain barrels to capture rainwater for lawn and garden care.
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