Why is water conservation important?
Even if your home is served by a well, conserving water is an important step in maintaining water quantity and improving water quality in the watershed, protecting a natural resource that is vital to all living things. Surface water and groundwater are inextricably linked in very complex ways. Maximizing water resources is particularly important during droughts conditions like those experienced in many parts of western North Carolina in 2007 and 2008. Water conservation can present major environmental, public health, social-economic, and personal benefits. Water efficiency measures can also provide other direct benefits to homeowners in the form of water and energy bill savings, as well as preventing septic system failure. We all must do our part to keep our lakes full and streams flowing, as well as to maintain the ability to drink groundwater from wells.
Septic tanks are essentially settling chambers. They allow time for solids and scum to separate out from wastewater, so clear liquid (effluent) can safely go to the drainfield. Over time, the scum and sludge layers get thicker, leaving less space and time for wastewater to settle before passing to the drainfield. There are limits to the amount of water septic systems can treat. For every gallon entering the tank, one gallon is pushed out into the drainfield. In some instances, too much water may back up into your house or overload the drainfield and surface in the yard. The problem is large volumes of water may not allow solids enough time to settle and may be carried out to the drainfield, ultimately clogging the pipes.
The need for water conservation has become more important than ever. Depletion and impairment of water resources has resulted from the irresponsible attitude, over usage. Even though most of the earth is covered with water, the usable water is only limited to a small percentage of the total water. These are reasons enough to change our attitude and get involved in the conservation of water in every small or big way possible.
Because water isn’t as abundant a resource as we think it is. Of all the water present on the planet, only about .008% is available for human consumption. An article in ECOnomically Sound shares some facts and observations about this finite resource. There are numerous water conservation tips for you to act on, and act you must. • institute a sheet and towel re-use program • install low-flow toilets and waterless urinals • install flow restrictors in your sinks and showers • plant your gardens using water-wise, or xeric, gardening techniques and plants • irrigate with gray-water Implementing a towel and sheet re-use program saves not only water but also energy, soap, and labor. The combined financial savings alone makes it worthwhile, but the water savings is like putting money in the bank; you’ll have water available for your use, at a reasonable price, in the future. Low-flow toilets are better than ever. Not only do they flush better but also they come in dual flush styles so you ca
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