Back when the world's population was smaller and people lived near fresh water sources, water seemed like it was bountiful. But today, with the world's population growing steadily, people trying to live where there isn't a fresh supply of water, and demands for water are increasing, the limits of our water supplies are becoming evident. If you had an infinite supply of water, you could live fine without thinking about it. But we don't have an infinite supply of water, so it's past time for everyone to find different ways of living to preserve the water we do have.
Can you imagine a world where the water is clear and clean? And abundant? What if you had an infinite supply of water that is clean and healthy for you? You think that you have this in our world now, don't you?
If you had an infinite supply of water that was free from pollutants, would you share it with those less fortunate? I would hope so, but there are many countries around the world that don't have adequate, safe drinking water for their citizens to drink. Dehydration is the major cause of death in some of these countries, simply because they do not have enough -- if any -- clean water to drink. This is sad, when I stop to think of how much we have in our country. Let it sink in for a moment -- there are people who live in this world who don't have clean water to drink, cook with, bathe in, or to water their crops with. If we are not careful, our water supply will be like theirs. Can you imagine living without ample clean water?
What can be done about preserving our water resources? How can we keep them clean? How can we avoid depleting the aquifers and other potable sources?
Quit watering lawns with potable water. In landscaping, use gray water. Use different manufacturing techniques to reduce pollution and water consumption.
Understanding issues of the water supply in your area, so you can help prevent your water sources from becoming polluted and depleted is a big step in the right direction. Yes, there are water treatment plants, but they do not remove all pollutants, and in fact add chemicals to make the water "clean". But relying on water treatment plants is an expensive approach, and not really the solution. Making changes in our lives will help make a difference in water depletion and pollution. If everyone would just do one thing to help keep pollution out of water, then a big impact could be made. Where do you start?
Pesticides and Fertilizer
These two things can run off into the water sources. Consider using natural pesticides and fertilizers. With the use of xeric landscaping, the need for pesticides and fertilizers is often reduced too. No one wants fresh vegetables or fruit with chemicals on them, do they?Solid Waste
This includes cans, bottles, paper, and other solid pieces of trash that somehow end up in our water sources. This is also called a conventional pollutant. These solids can cause severe problems in water sources, besides making them dirty. This includes blocking the rays of the sun, which disrupts the plant and animal life in water sources. Most water treatment plants can remove sixty percent of this type of pollutant.Use water wisely
Turn off the water if you are not using it. Don't let it run while you brush your teeth or rinse dishes. Buy water conserving appliances. Wash your car at a car wash that recycles its water, rather than at home. Find lots of ways to conserve the water you have.Use environmentally safe detergents and household cleaners
Keeping these pollutants from water sources helps preserve clean water resources. Using environmentally friendly products helps prevent pollution, and often saves you money too.
If you had an infinite supply of water that was free from pollution, then you would want to keep it that way, wouldn't you? How much more important is it to keep our water supply pollution free when we don't have an infinite supply of water? It's a matter of life or death for future generations.
