Water is the key to life.
Known as the molecule of life, water is the liquid that sustains life by facilitating key chemical reactions, lubricating cell workings and transporting nutrients and molecular machinery. Plants require it for photosynthesis and organisms require it for key functions.
In short, life on Earth requires water, which is why we are so dedicated to finding water, especially liquid water, on other planets. It marks the very high possibility of sustaining life in the universe.
The importance of water cannot be understated, and we are lucky to have so much abundance of it on our planet. It is what has fueled the myriad of species that exist on this pale blue dot for millennia. What we do not realize, however, is that there is not nearly enough water on Earth.
Water on Earth
Around 71 percent of Earth’s surface is covered with water, which is over 96 percent saline. Much of the remaining freshwater (over 3 percent) is trapped in glaciers, icecaps and as groundwater, which leaves less than 1 percent of fresh water for us, which mostly comes from rivers.
It is important to note that this fresh water is not just the water we drink, it is also the water that the majority of the world uses in daily life. Most people may not realize that water is the ultimate finite commodity, and we must focus on its conservation.
Water Conservation for the Environment
Water conservation is a necessary measure that we all must take in order to help alleviate the impending water crisis. Which is why we have come up with some very useful ways of water conservation for the environment that everyone can practice.
- Plumbing
Check every pipe, faucet and water outlet for leaks to avoid wasting water 24/7. Your kitchen and bathroom taps, hoses and couplings can all have leaks that are bleeding precious water. Outdoor leaks are ignored easily because they are not immediately affecting you.
Get a good plumber, which means Top of the Line Plumbing for residents in and around Jacksonville, Florida, to properly detect and fix any leaks. This is a great method of water conservation for the environment because you stop any constantly leaking water in your home.
- Showers & Baths
Everyone loves a good shower, but did you know that a typical shower can use up to 10 gallons of water per minute? If we limit our showers to the time it takes to soap, wash and rinse, we can save a lot of water.
Also, leaving the shower on while you lather up soap or shampoo is a very wasteful practice, which is best avoided. If for any reason you are unable to take short showers, take a bath instead. A half-filled tub of water uses less water than most showers, with the exception of the shortest showers.
- Brushing & Shaving
Before you brush, simply fill half a glass of water. This will allow you to save running more water than needed and you can rinse with the water in the glass at the end.
Similarly, you can fill the bottom of your sink, or a cup, with some warm water to rinse your razor while you shave, saving the need for running water.
- Watering the Lawn/Garden/Yard
Your grass does not always need scheduled regular watering. This practice does not take into account rainfalls or cool spells, which reduce the need for watering. A good trick to determine if watering is needed is to step on the grass and remove your foot. If the grass bounces back, no need for watering.
When you do water your lawn/garden, do so thoroughly enough that the water reaches the roots, where it is needed most and do it in the morning for efficiency. This is because less water will evaporate and more will reach the roots.
Evening watering is not recommended because it promotes the growth of fungus. Additionally, putting mulch around plants and trees slows down evaporation.
- Outdoor Cleaning
Using a broom instead of a hose is an excellent way to conserve water when cleaning pathways and driveways. It saves a ton of water and if you need to use water, use it after you broom to save some water in the process.
Moreover, when you clean your car, use a pail of water instead of a hose for soaping and only use the hose for rinsing. These outdoor cleaning practices save hundreds of gallons of water every week.
- Toilet Leaks & Flushing
The design of toilets is such, that leaks are not easy to detect. Add a drop or two of coloring in the tank and check if the color leaks in the bowl without flushing. If it does, you have detected a leak, which can save over a hundred gallons of water every day once you fix it.
One trick that also saves a ton of water is to fill an empty one-liter water bottle with a few stones or some sand and fill the rest with water. Put this bottle in your toilet’s water tank, away from the moving parts inside.
This will displace the excess water inside the tank and your toilet will remain safe and functional while saving water every time you flush. Additionally, it is wise to stop using your toilet as a trash can and throwing your cigarettes or waste tissues in it because you then flush it unnecessarily, wasting water.
What We Do
At Top of the Line Plumbing, we are experienced and skilled plumbers, who have a passion for water conservation for the environment. We provide our clients with stress-free and unmatched plumbing services in and around Jacksonville, Florida.
If you want to learn more about water conservation for the environment, how our plumbing service can help you improve your water usage or about all things plumbing, please Contact Us today .
