What You Can Do In the Community
to Save Water

Did you know there are over 1.1 billion people around the globe who do not have access to clean water in their communities? This shortage of clean water is happening in East Asia and the Pacific, sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and other places.

 

As the world population grows so does the demand for water, therefore the water supply needs to be conserved.  People in every community have to do their part in helping to conserve water.  In developing countries, 1 out of 5 people do not have access to clean water. In many of these places, governments and organizations will need to step-in and develop programs that help people get clean water in each community.

If you're one of the lucky people who already has access to clean water, then you need to start protecting it. Here are lots of ideas to help you protect water in your community.

Principles for Saving Water

Avoid things that use up a lot of water.  For example, sweeping instead of hosing driveways.

Reduce unnecessary use of water.  Don’t water lawns if the forecast calls for rain.

Recycle used water.  Some waste water can be treated to be reused.

Disposal of water as a last resort without affecting the environment.

Water Saving Tips for the Community

  • Understand and follow all water conservation rules in effect in your community.
  • Report all water losses such as broken pipes and open hydrants.
  • Encourage your local school system to teach kids about water conservation.
  • Talk to local government officials about informing people about water conservation.
  • Help your friends and neighbors to become more water conscious.  Tell them to “turn it off” and “keep it off.”
  • Promote water conservation in community newspapers and on bulletin boards.
  • Don’t waste water just because someone else is paying for it, like when you’re staying at a hotel.
  • Always be aware of how much water you’re using.

Water is a very valuable resource which is often wasted because people don’t think about where it comes from and where it goes after they use it.

If everyone tries to do one thing each day that will save just a little bit of water, it will make a difference.  Every drop counts!

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Online Resources

“49 Ways Of Saving Water.” Urban Water Resources Management 1 April 2007 <http://www.gdrc.org/uem/water/49-ways.html>.

“General Saving Water Tips.” The Water Information Program. 1 April 2007 <http://www.waterinfo.org/general-water-saving-tips>.

“Water Rights and Wrongs” United Nations Development Programme. 30 March 2007 <http://www.peacechild.org/water/?sec=book&site=dl>.

“WaterWise in the Community.” SA Water. 1 April 2007 <http://www.sawater.com.au/sawater>.

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