Water
Understanding Water
The Lifeblood of Our Planet
Water, covering over 70% of Earth’s surface, is not just a passive bystander in the saga of life. It is the primary medium that supports all biological processes. From the cells of the most intricate organisms to the vast ecosystems of our rainforests, water is the common thread that weaves life together. The gentle flow of rivers, the might of the oceans, and even the frozen expanses of polar ice caps are habitats and support systems for countless species.
Understanding Water
Water, often dubbed the “elixir of life,” holds immeasurable significance in our world. Every droplet tells a tale, from the vastness of our oceans to the singular tear that rolls down a cheek. But what makes water so crucial, and why is it at the centre of global discussions today?
Water's Global Role
Societies have been built on the banks of rivers and coastlines, with civilizations flourishing thanks to the fertile lands that water nourishes. Agriculture, industry, and even our daily household chores would be unthinkable without it. Beyond being a mere resource, water has cultural, spiritual, and economic significance across various communities worldwide. It’s a symbol of purity in rituals, a route for global trade, and often a reflection of a region’s prosperity or distress.
The Threat of Human Activity
Human actions, from unchecked pollution to rampant over-extraction, have jeopardized our water sources, contaminating rivers and depleting freshwater reserves. Resulting erratic climate patterns cause unforeseen droughts and floods, displacing communities and pushing numerous species to the brink. Nonetheless, by valuing and understanding water’s importance, and uniting in collective action, we can pave the way to a sustainable future.
Water Footprints: A Personal Connection
A water footprint measures the amount of freshwater used directly and indirectly by an individual, community, business, or nation. This concept goes beyond merely considering the water we drink or use for washing; it includes the water used in the production of goods and services we consume. The water footprint can be broken down into three primary components:
- Blue Water Footprint: This measures the volume of surface and groundwater consumed (water that doesn’t return to its original source after usage) for various purposes, such as agricultural irrigation or industrial processes.
- Green Water Footprint: Represents the rainwater used in agricultural, horticultural, and forestry production. It’s crucial for growing crops and rearing livestock.
- Grey Water Footprint: This is an indicator of freshwater pollution. It quantifies the amount of fresh water required to assimilate pollutants and bring the water back to its original quality.
Everyday activities and their water consumption
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Everyday Activities & Their Consumption
In North America, particularly in the United States, the average person’s daily water use is significantly higher than in many other parts of the world. As of my last update in 2022, the average American uses approximately 300 – 380 litres (80-100 gallons) of water per day. Here’s a breakdown of that usage by activity:
- Toilet Flushing: This is typically the largest single indoor use of water. Each flush can use anywhere from 1.6 gallons (for newer, efficient toilets) to as much as 7 gallons for older models. On average, 24-27% of household water is used in toilets.
- Showers: The average American shower uses about 17.2 gallons and lasts for 8.2 minutes. Modern showerheads use about 2.1 gallons per minute, so the longer the shower, the more water is used. Showers account for approximately 20% of household water use.
- Faucets: Taps in bathrooms and kitchens contribute to about 19% of total household water use. This includes hand washing, teeth brushing, and dishwashing.
- Clothes Washers: Older models can use about 40 gallons of water per load, while newer, high-efficiency models might use as little as 15 gallons per load. On average, clothes washers account for about 17% of household water consumption.
- Leaks: Surprisingly, leaks contribute a significant amount to household water use. Dripping faucets, leaking pipes, and running toilets can waste a lot of water over time, contributing to about 12% of overall household use.
- Other Uses: This includes activities like cooking, drinking, watering indoor plants, and more. These typically account for the remaining percentage of household water use.
- Outdoor Use: It’s essential to note that these figures are for indoor use. Outdoor activities, especially lawn watering and pool filling, can significantly increase an individual’s water footprint, particularly in drier regions or during the summer months.
It’s important to remember that these are averages, and actual water use can vary widely based on personal habits, the number of people in a household, the presence of water-saving fixtures, and other factors.
Hidden Water Use in Products and Food:
Often, the water “hidden” in the products we consume or use isn’t immediately apparent:
- Jeans: A pair of jeans can have a water footprint of up to 2,000 gallons, considering the water-intensive cotton cultivation.
- Burger: Producing a single beef patty can consume more than 600 gallons of water, primarily from the water used in growing feed crops.
- Chocolate: A single chocolate bar might represent up to 400 gallons of water when factoring in the water used in growing cocoa beans.
- Cars: Thousands of gallons of water are used in the production of vehicles, especially in metal processing and cooling.
- Electronics: Devices like smartphones have a significant water footprint, mainly from semiconductor manufacturing.
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The real cost of water: Extraction, treatment, and distribution
Water, a seemingly ubiquitous resource, bears hidden costs that ripple through economies worldwide. Recognizing these costs is crucial to understanding the economic dynamics that drive water policies.
- Extraction: Water sources aren’t endless. The World Bank estimates that 1.7 billion people live in basins where water depletion exceeds recharge. Costs are incurred in drilling wells, building dams, and maintaining reservoirs. Over-extraction has led to phenomena like land subsidence, with global economic losses estimated at billions annually. Additionally, in regions where freshwater is scarce, desalination, which is energy-intensive, becomes a costly option.
- Treatment: Water needs rigorous treatment before reaching consumers. According to the UN, the global drinking water treatment market is worth over $50 billion, with costs expected to rise due to increasing contamination levels and stricter health standards. From coagulation to disinfection, each treatment phase is resource-intensive, affecting the eventual pricing.
- Distribution: Globally, an estimated 30% of treated water is lost to leaks, according to the World Bank. Upgrading aging infrastructure is costly, with the American Society of Civil Engineers estimating a need of $1 trillion over the next 25 years in the U.S. alone to maintain and expand service. Distribution costs also encompass energy expenses, as water needs to be pumped to varying altitudes and across distances.
Successful Policies and Regulations Around the World
- Singapore: Recognized globally for its innovative water management policies, Singapore’s NEWater initiative recycles used water into ultra-clean, high-quality potable water, reducing its reliance on external sources.
- Israel: A pioneer in drip irrigation, Israel has achieved a revolution in agricultural water use efficiency. The nation also boasts one of the world’s most advanced seawater desalination systems.
- Australia: Post the Millennium Drought, Australia implemented the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, a comprehensive approach to water management, ensuring sustainable water use in its most significant river system.
- Brazil: Sao Paulo, after facing a severe water crisis, introduced tiered pricing systems, rewarding conservation and penalizing wastage. This, combined with public campaigns, led to significant reductions in water consumption.
- South Africa: The nation’s Constitution guarantees access to sufficient water. Cape Town’s “Day Zero” campaign, which aimed to prevent taps from running dry, used public communication, strict restrictions, and tariff adjustments to successfully stave off a water crisis.
These policy successes underscore the importance of adaptive, forward-thinking strategies. As global water stress increases, proactive policies and informed consumer behaviour will be critical to ensuring this precious resource’s sustainable use.
Water Conservation & Harvesting Guide
The journey towards water security starts at home. By implementing simple changes and adopting sustainable practices, not only can we significantly reduce our water footprint, but we can also create a haven of water security for ourselves. This resilience ensures that even in the face of external challenges—be it shortages, droughts, contamination, or other risks—we remain equipped and empowered to safeguard our water needs. Moreover, as each household moves towards water autonomy, it inherently strengthens security for neighbours and the broader community, weaving a tapestry of resilience that protects all.
Water Conservation Techniques To Reduce Your Water Consumption
In our journey towards sustainability and security, water conservation stands as a cornerstone. Just as with other resources, the first stride towards achieving water independence is reducing consumption. This begins with a reflective look at our daily water habits, challenging ourselves with the question: ‘Can we accomplish this in a more water-efficient manner?’
Mindful Daily Habits
Embracing water conservation doesn’t necessitate a complete lifestyle overhaul. In fact, it’s the small, everyday habits that often yield the most significant results. By tweaking just a few routines, you can achieve substantial water savings. Let’s delve into three impactful yet simple habits.
Take short showers
Fact: Traditional showerheads can use anywhere between 2.5 to 5 gallons of water per minute. Reducing a 10-minute shower to 5 minutes can save 12.5 to 25 gallons of water each time.
Impact: If an individual cuts their shower time by 5 minutes daily, they could save between 4,562.5 to 9,125 gallons of water annually. That’s enough to fill a small backyard swimming pool!
Turn of the tap when brushing teeth or scrubbing dishes
Fact: A faucet left open can dispense 2 to 2.5 gallons of water per minute.
Impact: If you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes and turn off the tap while brushing, you could save up to 10 gallons of water daily. That’s a staggering 3,650 gallons saved annually, just from this small act.
Tip: Be mindful of not letting the faucet run unnecessarily when washing hands, rinsing vegetables, or during other routine tasks.
Only run washing machines and dishwashers with full loads
Fact: An average washing machine uses about 20 gallons of water per cycle, while a modern dishwasher uses approximately 4.5 to 6 gallons per cycle.
Impact: By ensuring that you run full loads, you can save multiple unnecessary cycles per week. For a family running 3 extra half-loads of laundry and 4 half-loads of dishes weekly, this could mean a saving of up to 1,872 gallons of water annually.
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Efficient Appliances and Fixtures
In today’s world, advancements in household appliances and fixtures ensure we use water more efficiently. Without compromising performance, these modern tools seamlessly integrate into our daily routines, making it simpler than ever to conserve this precious resource.
Low-Flow Toilets:
These toilets use significantly less water per flush compared to older models. Over a year, the savings can run into thousands of gallons for a single household.
Faucet Aerators
Installing aerators on faucets can help reduce the flow rate, saving both water and energy without compromising on performance.
High-Efficiency Washing Machines: These appliances can save water and energy while still ensuring your clothes come out clean.
High-Efficiency Dishwasher
Washing dishes by hand can use between 30-100 litres of water while new high efficiency dishwashers use between 11-17 litres. If you’re aiming to save water, a modern, energy-efficient dishwasher is generally a good choice compared to traditional hand washing, especially if you make sure to run it only when full.
Smart Gardening:
Transform your water-intensive lawn into a foodscape: As urbanization expands and climate patterns shift, the demand on our water resources continues to rise. A large portion of residential water use is dedicated to maintaining lush, green landscapes, often composed of plants unsuited to the local environment. By transitioning to a foodscape or drought-resistant garden, you not only produce food for your family but also cut down on agricultural water use. Opt for native or drought-tolerant plants that demand less water. Instead of traditional landscape companies there are a number of businesses that will plan, install, set up and manage your front and/or back yard foodscape.
TheFoodScaper.com has a comprehensive directory to find a service provider in your area.
Soil Moisture Traps:
By using organic mulches in gardens and landscapes, you can reduce evaporation and retain more moisture in the soil.
Efficient Watering Systems:
Drip Irrigation: This system delivers water directly to the base of plants through a network of tubes, hoses, valves, and emitters. It minimizes evaporation and ensures that water reaches the roots, promoting deep root growth and reducing water use by up to 60% compared to conventional methods.
Soaker Hoses
These are hoses that are permeable and allow water to seep out slowly along their length. Burying them under a layer of mulch can further reduce evaporation.
Oya or Ollas
Oyas are an ancient technology, utilizing unglazed clay pots that are buried in the ground with the neck exposed. Once filled with water, they slowly seep out moisture directly to plant roots through the porous clay walls. This age-old irrigation method is highly efficient, ensuring deep watering while minimizing evaporation and surface runoff. They are particularly effective in arid climates or areas with water restrictions, as they can reduce the amount of water needed for gardening by up to 70%. In addition to conserving water, they encourage plants to develop deep root systems, enhancing their drought resilience.
Here is a great DIY tutorial from Epic Gardening on how to make your own Oya or,
Automated water sensors
for gardens and residential agriculture are great tools for efficient irrigation. They help ensure that plants receive the right amount of water at the right time, promoting healthy growth while conserving valuable water resources.
Rain Sensors
These devices can be attached to automatic sprinkler systems. They prevent the system from activating if it’s raining or if rain is imminent, preventing water waste.
Soil Moisture Sensors
Capacitive Soil Moisture Sensors: Measure the water content in soil by assessing the dielectric constant. They are generally more durable and less susceptible to corrosion than resistive sensors.
Resistive Soil Moisture Sensors
Determine moisture by measuring the resistance between two probes. The wetter the soil, the lower the resistance.
Regular Maintenance and Leak Checks
A small drip might not seem like much, but over time, leaks can result in significant water waste.
- Regularly inspect your home for leaks in pipes, faucets, and toilets.
Consider installing a water meter to monitor and manage your consumption effectively.
Water Capture Techniques
Harvesting Rainwater
Irrespective of your locale’s rainfall frequency, every droplet that lands on your property is an invaluable asset. Engaging with rainwater harvesting isn’t just about water conservation; it’s a pivotal step towards sustainable living. By capturing and utilizing this precious resource, you’re also demonstrating a profound appreciation for one of life’s essential elements. While systems may vary based on individual needs and water availability, the fundamental components remain consistent.
- Ensure that your roof is fitted with gutters that guide water to downspouts.
- Keep them clean to prevent blockages and ensure efficient water flow.
Storing captured water efficiently is pivotal for any sustainable water system. Depending on the specific needs and spatial constraints, various above-ground storage solutions, such as tanks, barrels, and butts, come into play.
Tanks: Typically larger and made of sturdy materials like polyethylene, steel, or concrete, water tanks can hold vast amounts of water, making them ideal for properties with expansive roof areas or in regions prone to sporadic rainfall. Their designs can range from above-ground installations to buried setups.
Barrels: These are medium-sized containers, often used in suburban settings, where the requirement may not be as vast as that necessitating a tank. Easily connected to downspouts, barrels can efficiently collect rainwater for garden watering, car washing, or even flushing toilets after proper treatment.
Butts: Common in European households, water butts are compact storage systems, perfect for smaller gardens or terraces. They conveniently fit into tight spaces and can be attached directly to drainpipes, capturing runoff from roofs.
In some setups, especially those with larger rainwater harvesting systems, underground cisterns or tanks can be used to store water, keeping it cool and reducing evaporation.
These devices discard the first bit of rainwater which might contain contaminants from the roof.
Harnessing the power of nature and recycling can drastically reduce your water usage. By setting up rain barrels or more advanced collection systems, you can capture rainwater for outdoor uses like gardening and with proper remediation, potable use.
Brad Lancaster gives a great overview of rainwater harvesting
A beginners guide to rainwater harvesting
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Greywater Systems
Reusing water from baths, sinks, and washing machines for tasks like flushing toilets or irrigating gardens can make a big difference in household water consumption.
You can learn more about how to create a greywater reuse system in your home here.
Dew and Fog Collection
While more common in areas with dense fog or dew, specialized nets or collection systems can be used to capture and condense these water sources.
You can find further information on fog collection here,
Aqualonis is a great informational resource on Fog Harvesting.
Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG)
Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) is a technology that captures and converts atmospheric moisture into potable water. This process employs techniques such as cooling condensation or desiccant absorption to extract water vapor from the air. AWG devices offer a sustainable freshwater source, particularly beneficial in areas with limited access to clean water. As water scarcity intensifies globally, AWG technology presents an innovative solution by harnessing the vast reservoir of atmospheric moisture. For a more detailed insight into this technology, refer to Aquaria’s explanation of their system
Landscape Design for Water Collection Swales and Berms
Commonly utilized in permaculture, sustainable agriculture, and landscaping projects, swales and berms are shallow ditches or raised banks constructed to direct, capture, and infiltrate runoff water. Their design maximizes water retention, aids in preventing erosion, and promotes groundwater recharge, making them essential in regions prone to drought or areas aiming to conserve water. When used in conjunction with other strategies, such as ponds, they form a cohesive system that enhances water efficiency.
Here’s a great example of how swales, berms and ponds are used successfully to capture water.
Rain Gardens
These are planted depressions that are designed to absorb rainwater runoff from impervious surfaces such as rooftops, driveways, walkways, and compacted lawn areas. Click here for a more in depth look at rain gardens.
Natural Pools & Ponds
Natural pools and ponds serve as both aesthetic and functional features in landscape design. Unlike conventional pools that use chemicals for purification, natural pools leverage aquatic plants to filter and clean the water. This creates a balanced aquatic ecosystem where the water remains clear and safe for swimming without relying on harmful substances.
Ponds, on the other hand, can be both decorative and utilitarian. While they add beauty and biodiversity to gardens by attracting wildlife, they also act as reservoirs for rainwater collection. Strategically placed, ponds can capture runoff from roofs, paths, and driveways, slowly releasing it into the ground and reducing the strain on stormwater systems.
Additionally, the incorporation of both pools and ponds in landscaping increases the local humidity, aids in temperature moderation, and contributes to a more balanced and sustainable garden ecosystem. Integrating these elements not only offers recreational benefits but also plays a crucial role in comprehensive water management and conservation strategies.
Aquascape is a company leading in natural ponds and pools. They have all the equipment and guides if you want to pursue the DIY route or to find a professional to hire.
Bucketing
If you live in an apartment or you are otherwise unable to divert and recycle greywater you can use a simple and immediate technique where, for example, you place a bucket in the shower while waiting for the water to heat up. The collected water can then be used for other purposes like watering plants.
Permeable Pavement
Instead of traditional impermeable surfaces, using permeable materials for driveways or patios can allow water to seep into the ground, replenishing groundwater and reducing runoff. Here is a great resource to learn more about permeable pavement.
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Case Study: The Water-Wise Haven of the Jones’ s
Imagine, if you will, a home in the arid outskirts of Tucson, Arizona where the Jones family has transformed their suburban home into a model of water efficiency and conservation. Leveraging a blend of innovative technologies and time-honoured practices, their residence stands as a beacon of what’s possible in the realm of sustainable living. Unlike their neighbours, the Jones family has embraced an innovative approach, not just to conserve water but to harvest and repurpose it, aiming for complete water autonomy.
Design Elements:
- Efficient Appliances and Fixtures: The Joneses prioritized water-saving appliances, installing fixtures like low-flow toilets, aerated faucets, and high-efficiency washing machines.
- The Smiths installed low-flow toilets that use just 1.28 gallons per flush.
- High-efficiency washing machines and dishwashers reduce water use by over 50% compared to older models.
- Aerated faucets and low-flow showerheads further minimize indoor water usage.
- Rainwater Harvesting:
- The family’s home is equipped with a large roof catchment system, enabling them to harvest approximately 15,000 gallons from the 12 inches of annual rainfall.
- Beyond the roof, the landscape is thoughtfully contoured with berms and swales to direct runoff into their cisterns and natural swimming pool, and food landscape amplifying their harvesting capability.
- The collected water undergoes basic filtration and is used for outdoor irrigation and toilet flushing.
- Natural Swimming Pool:
- Instead of a traditional, chlorine treated, pool, the Joneses have opted for a natural swimming pool that uses plants and biofiltration to keep the water clean. This pool, apart from serving recreational needs, acts as a reservoir for rainwater and, with additional treatment, can convert that water into a potable resource.
- This system significantly reduces water usage by eliminating the need for frequent draining and refilling typical of conventional pools.
- Greywater Systems:
- Used water from showers, sinks, and appliances is diverted into a greywater treatment system. After filtration, it nourishes a foodscape, which is a combination of edible gardens and native, drought-resistant plants.
- This foodscape, in turn, also acts as a water catchment area, reducing evaporation and enhancing groundwater recharge.
- Water-Efficient Foodscape:
- Traditional lawns have been replaced with a combination of native, drought-resistant plants and edible gardens.
- Using permaculture principles, plants are strategically placed to maximize water absorption and reduce runoff.
- Swales, a type of contour trench, further capture and direct rainwater to where it’s most needed in the garden.
- Additional Elements:
- Drip Irrigation: For areas requiring additional water, the Jones’s use a drip irrigation system, which targets the base of plants, reducing evaporation and water waste.
- Green Roof: Part of their home features a green roof, providing insulation, absorbing rainwater, and reducing runoff.
- Water Monitors: Smart home systems actively monitor water usage, providing real-time feedback, ensuring early leak detection, and facilitating more informed water use habits.
Overall Impact:
While the average Tucson home consumes 100,000 gallons from the municipal supply, the integrated approach of the Jones family slashes this number. With their rainwater harvesting from the roof and landscape, coupled with their conservation measures, they have reduced their reliance on external sources by a staggering 85%, consuming a net of 15,000 gallons annually from the municipal supply. Their foodscape not only beautifies their property but also yields a significant portion of their daily produce, further reducing their water footprint by cutting down on industrially grown foods. Their design and dedication edge them closer to their goal of 100% water autonomy.
Conclusion:
The Jones family’s residence shines as an exemplar of how integrated design and an informed approach can radically transform water consumption habits and showcases the compound benefits of stacked design elements. Their home doesn’t merely conserve; it actively regenerates and repurposes, offering a blueprint for sustainable living even in the driest of environments.
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Resources for Further Exploration
Books, documentaries, and websites dedicated to water conservation
DIY projects and tools to measure personal water consumption
Organizations and initiatives to support
- Water Stories
- Beginners guide to rainwater harvesting
- Here is a deeper dive into rainwater harvesting systems
- Grey Water Reuse
- Brad Lancaster's best-selling, award-winning Rainwater Harvesting Guides
- Aquascape has a great menu of rainwater harvesting and catchment products
- You can find an array of water and storage tanks at The Tank Source