Many of us take water for granted. We turn on the faucet and there it is, whenever we need it. Yet the truth is, water needs to be preserved like any other precious natural resource. Overuse and waste threaten to leave our supply of fresh water depleted, leading to water shortages and droughts that hurt agriculture and put communities at risk. One needs to look no further than California and its recent droughts as an example of how important it is to conserve water at home and at work. The prevention of drought is everyone’s responsibility, but following some common-sense ideas can help ensure that we keep our water supplies at a safe level. If you’re concerned about preventing drought in your community, here are some basic water conservation tips that should help.
Avoiding Overuse
One of the biggest strains on our water supply is simple overuse. Being mindful of the amount of water you use each day can be a powerful way to prevent droughts. Turning off the faucet while you brush your teeth, watering your garden early in the morning so less water evaporates, and installing low-flow plumbing fixtures all are good ways to prevent wasted water. High-efficiency appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers help reduce water consumption, as do high-efficiency valves and other fixtures.
Conserving Water
Water doesn’t always have to be in drinkable condition for us to use it for other needs. That means, in many cases, we can re-use water to help conserve our supplies of fresh, potable water. One of the easiest ways you can do this is to collect rainwater with a rain barrel. Use the rain barrel to water your garden instead of the garden hose. This also has the side benefit of preventing rainwater from collecting pollutants as it runs through the streets on its way to the water supply. Certain plumbing fixtures can be installed to divert water used in sinks, bathtubs and washing machines to flush toilets or water landscaping.
Better Monitoring
Technology has made it possible for households and businesses to gain greater insight into how they use their resources, and so-called “smart plumbing” is on the rise. With advanced monitoring technology, water consumers can see exactly how much water they use, which can make them more mindful and help them identify leaks and areas where their plumbing may be inefficient.
Getting water may be as easy as turning on the faucet, but that doesn’t mean water should be taken for granted. Preserving and protecting our water supply is essential for preventing droughts, but it’s easy to do with a few simple ideas. Water valves from Hydra-Stop can help prevent water loss when installing new infrastructure. If you’re interested in learning more about how Hydra-Stop valves can help your water supply, contact us today.
