Small actions add up
Fortunately, we are becoming more educated about water resources than ever before. Awareness is growing about ways in which we can change behaviors to save this resource. From shortening time in the shower to fixing leaks, there are many easy steps that can save thousands of gallons. Simply covering a swimming pool reduces evaporation by 90%. Watering the grass early or late in the day also reduces waste through evaporation. How about pushing a broom instead of running the hose to clean the sidewalk? Rainwater collection can provide water for many uses, as can gray water collection systems. See ecomii Tips for more ideas.
Gray water comes from all sources except toilets, from washing machines and dishwashers to showers and sinks. And it can account for as much as 80% of the water used in a house. (Black water is contaminated with human waste). Reclaiming gray water to recycle is a developing area that has the potential to save in energy costs and chemicals at water treatments plants.
Some gray water systems simply send all gray water directly into a holding tank until it can be used to water the lawn or garden. The soil—a natural filter—purifies the water. Reclaimed gray water can save a lot in terms of toilet flushes, but requires an in-home water treatment system to avoid odors and discoloration of the ceramic.
In many areas the use of gray water is against local codes, so check with your municipality.
Consumer demand has the power to speed up development of new technologies. Low-flow shower heads, faucets, and toilets already dramatically reduce water waste, and better products are being invented all the time. Dual-flush toilets, for instance, use a lesser amount of water for liquid waste than for the rest. Front-loading clothes washers with the agitator on a horizontal axis have vastly decreased water use as well. Switching out fixtures costs money, but a small investment now in efficiency will save water and dollars over time. Visit ecomii Tips for more ways to save energy.
Increased public awareness and policy changes are already stemming the wastewater flow. From the municipal to the federal level, governments are implementing programs and laws designed to preserve our water resources for future generations. Some conservation tools are becoming less expensive, like bathroom plumbing. ....read more
