Water Conservation Practices

The simple act of turning on the cold water faucet uses energy. Energy is needed to pump water from a well or through city pipes.  The water that flows down the drain also uses energy as it is treated in a septic system or at a larger scale wastewater treatment facility.  This means that saving water will save energy.

Besides saving energy, each person is estimated to use 100 gallons of water a day.  This is placing increasing pressure on fresh water resources.  In this area we rely on a mix of water supplies, from deep wells, shallow wells, rivers and Lake Michigan.  Lake Michigan water is shared among several US states and Canada, making it subject to limits.  All this means we need to integrate water conservation into our home, school, business and social life.

It's easier than it sounds.  Most kids already turn off the faucet when they brush their teeth.  Adults are increasingly using low flow shower heads.  GR2010 honored area resident, Michael Schuster, for his role in providing plumbing products that conserve water such as a dual flush toilet.  It is estimated that 75% of the water used in the home is used in the bathroom.  Increasingly, each of us has access to ways to reduce the amount of water we use.

Beyond the tap, there is the water that falls from the sky.  This water is often lost as it hits roofs, pavements or simply travels too fast across the lawn to be absorbed into the soil and eventually replenish aquifers.  The challenge is to slow it or capture it and use it instead of using our drinking water.

This summer, the County Stormwater Committee decided to sell rain barrels to help homes and businesses capture rain water to use for watering gardens or lawns.  Click here for information on Rain Barrels.

Increasingly, businesses and local governments are putting in bioswales to slow water flowing from parking lots and roadways.  Homes can accomplish this goal with rain gardens, or slightly shallow areas located near drain spouts where rooftop rain is held long enough to soak into the soil and root systems.

For additional information on water conservation tips, facts, and resources visit WaterUseItWisely.com.