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Reasons to Conserve Water

Conserving water can greatly limit the negative impact we have on the environment. By thinking conscientiously and creatively, we can make sure that everyone has enough water, while also minimizing the energy we use to bring it to our faucet or garden hose. Plus, using water wisely can lower many water bills.

  1. Enough for Everyone

    • Water is one of the world's most precious resources, and conserving water assures that everyone has enough. It allows people to be prepared in case of drought, and prepares us to meet the increasing demand for water that comes with an increasing population.

    Saving Energy

    • Conserving water can save energy as well. As MonoLake.org says, 6.5% of the energy California uses goes toward pumping and treating water. Getting water to the people who use it requires energy, as does removing it from their homes. We use energy in heating water as well. By using less hot water, and water in general, you'll lower the energy output of your home. And by conserving energy (as well as using alternative energy sources such as solar heating), you'll limit the pollution caused by water use.

    Saving Money

    • In tough economic times (or even good ones), saving money can also provide incentive for using less water. You might be surprised to see your water bill drop significantly if you take steps to limit the amount of water you use. Try a Water Use Calculator to get a sense of how much water you really use a month.

    Still Have Enough

    • You probably won't miss the water you once were wasting. Many of us thoughtlessly keep the water on while brushing our teeth or washing dishes, and we pour water down the drain when it could be used for another purpose. If you boil a pot of water for spaghetti, once you're done cooking, you could set it aside for watering plants after it cools. Conserving water doesn't mean doing without; it just means thinking creatively about how to reuse water and stop using what you didn't really need.

    How to Conserve Water

    • We can conserve water in many ways. Fixing faucets that drip, using a compost bin instead of a garbage disposal, taking shorter showers, and watering your lawn only in the early morning (or better yet, choosing plants that survive well in the natural conditions of your area) can all help to conserve water. MonoLake.org estimates that reducing your shower time by one or two minutes can save up to 700 gallons of water a month. The more you do these things, the more they will become habit.

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