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The Pros & Cons of Rationing Water

Water rationing is the act of limiting water use to a specific, typically lower than average, amount. Mandatory water rationing is generally the result of a water shortage and requires only outdoor water rationing unless the situation is severe enough to warrant indoor water rationing. Water rationing may also be voluntary. Some people do it to help the environment, the communities and lower water bills.

  1. Outdoor Water Rationing Pros

    • Rationing outdoor water use helps limit the burden on communities during water shortages. In turn, it also lessens water bills for people who ration properly and typically use more water. Proper water rationing helps residents to become aware of outdoor water usage. This awareness may lead to repairs in hoses, outdoor faucets, pools and hot tubs that may have been causing excess water usage. Residents who must ration outdoor water use may even make a habit of avoiding wasteful behavior, even when there is no shortage of water.

    Outdoor Water Rationing Cons

    • Rationing water outdoors while maintaining a green lawn, clean driveway and clean car may be challenging. Lawn watering habits have to change, such as watering at night or early morning instead of during the day to limit evaporation. Habits like washing driveways may have to give way for more conservative habits, such as sweeping or blowing. Car washing will have to be limited or restricted to car washes that use recycled water.

    Indoor Water Rationing Pros

    • Indoor water rationing typically consists of shorter showers, no baths, eco-friendly appliances, using less running water and reusing water when possible. All of this can reduce a water bill significantly. Shorter showers may mean healthier skin, as long, hot showers leads to dry skin. Indoor water rationing habits, such as rinsing vegetables in pots of water instead of under the tap and collecting water in buckets while in the shower for gardening helps the environment greatly.

    Indoor Water Rationing Cons

    • Indoor water rationing feels like a lot of work when you are developing the habits. Remembering to turn off the running water when you brush your teeth, wash dishes and wash vegetables may take time. Breaking habits is challenging. Many people enjoy long showers. Furthermore, shutting off the water while you lather and then turning it back on to rinse can be a nuisance and uncomfortable. The water may not be the ideal temperature when you turn it back on.

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