Our earth is covered by 71% water. Sounds like a lot doesn’t it? With so much water on this planet why be concerned about turning on the tap and using as much as we want? Well let’s take a closer look at what this 71% is really saying:

Of that 71%, the salt-water oceans and other large bodies hold approximately 97% of the total water.

Of the remaining water, 1.6% of the water is below ground in aquifers.

0.001% is in the air as vapor, clouds and precipitation.

Glaciers and polar ice caps hold 2.4%.

Land surface water such as rivers, lakes and ponds makes up only approximately 0.6%.

A very small amount of the Earth’s water is contained within biological bodies and manufactured products.

Of the available fresh water approximately 70 percent of freshwater is consumed by agriculture to produce food for all of us.

Some observers have estimated that by 2025 more than half of the world population will be facing water-based vulnerability, a situation which has been called a water crisis by the United Nations.

No matter how you arrange the numbers it sounds grim doesn’t it? Perhaps. The sad fact is that for most people in the industrialized world, more than enough water passes within their grasp to meet the majority of their needs. At least the needs of their outdoor world. Sadly, for most of us in the modern world, it is all to often taken entirely for granted. We turn on the tap and expect it to be there, without so much as a thought of what it takes to get it there or from where it comes. Water, more precious than oil, fine gems or precious metals sustains life and has been attributed as a gift from both God and the gods (little “g”). It is fought over, rationed, monitored and carefully controlled. Yet seldom respected, protected or cherished.

The Scenario

Water flows through or lives to the point we seldom give a thought to it, especially after it has served the immediate purpose for which we summoned it. We take a drink from a glass filled with much more than we want to consume, drawn from a faucet that we have let run until the water is cool and afterward pour out, often more than we consume, the remainder to disappear into our sewers. We wash our vehicles on our dutifully paved driveways and watch as it runs off into the storm sewer, taking with it all that detracts from our symbol of status or pride like a loyal servant.

In our evermore health conscious world, we wash and rewash our hands, allowing the powerful solvent abilities of water to carry away all that might cause us biological harm, never giving thought to the fact that waters abilities are far from being utilized. We faithfully take our cleansing showers in order to maintain that “acceptable” level of personal hygiene and in the process run countless gallons of water down the drain until the over consuming shower reaches that “just right” temperature.

Outside, we have carefully planted and manicured expanses of high maintenance grass, watered and fertilized to that perfect look and our planting beds are filled with all of the most popular non-native and often exotic plants. Perhaps the beds were once covered with mulch, but it has long since broken down and weeds have become a familiar sight. We faithfully rely on automatic sprinkler systems to keep everything green and lush so that our piece of the world meets with the approval of all around us. The timers are set and everything comes on regular as clockwork regardless of the weather or need and much of the water gets applied to sidewalks and driveways that need it not.

We go back inside because we’re hungry. We get out lettuce and tomato’s and dutifully wash them under running water because we’re very health conscious and are concerned about pesticides left on our food. We rely on the cleansing power of water to carry away all that we wish not consume and are proud of our conscious decision to live healthier. After finishing our food, we dutifully put the few dishes and utensils we dirtied into the dish washer and turn it on because having dirty dishes sitting around is not cool. Having just come inside from being outdoors for our healthful walk, our clothes are dirty so we change and faithfully place them in the washer and turn it on so that dirty clothes don’t stack up.

We are proud of the fact that we surveyed the yard and everything is lush and green just as we expect it to be so that our neighbors will approve. But we failed to notice that one outdoor faucet is leaking and that our children failed to turn off the other one completely after playing with their water toys. Surveying the surroundings, we also failed to notice the puddles of water left at the bottom of that slope after the sprinkler system shut off. But all is green and lush. What’s the big deal? It’s just water – right?

Sound familiar? Sadly this occurrence is all to familiar in our comfortable industrialized societies anymore. All to often we have have become complacent and expectant of what has become a common commodity of our lives. But the reality is that water is not an unlimited resource and it does have its limitations. A reality that many have been made increasingly aware of through droughts, water rationing and strict management. Yet few of us have yet to come to the realization that wise use of water begins with each of us as individuals. We, as individuals are the single biggest user of water and wise use begins with us, our use, and expectations. Yes it true that industry and commerce are big users. But it is us, the individuals who use by far the most. Both in our personal lives and through our expectations in life.

Suggestions To Get Started

There is coming a day for all of us that this little appreciated, thought of and common resource is no longer a resource to be taken lightly and for some, that time has already come. Wise water use, like all green living, is not a thing to do, but rather a way of thinking that is developed over time and transformed into actions. It is not something that one can simply turn a switch, take a pill, or buy. But rather it is developed over time. Below is a list of suggestions to help get you started. Think of this like a test. How many do you do now? How many do you fail at? How many could you do?

Bathroom

When you are washing your hands, don’t let the water run while you lather.

If your shower can fill a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, then replace it with a low-flow shower-head. They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and can save your family more than 500 gallons a week.

Time your shower to keep it under 5 minutes. You’ll save up to 1000 gallons a month.

Install low-volume toilets.

Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl, you have a leak. It’s easy to fix, and you can save more than 600 gallons a month.

Plug the bathtub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.

Turn off the water while you brush your teeth and save 4 gallons a minute. That’s 200 gallons a week for a family of four.

Make sure your toilet flapper doesn’t stick open after flushing.

Make sure there are aerators on all of your faucets. This decreases water flow and increases its effectiveness when washing hands, etc.

Install an instant water heater on your kitchen or bathroom sink so you don’t have to let the water run while it heats up. This will also reduce heating costs for your household.

Bathe your young children together.

If your toilet was installed prior to 1980, place a toilet dam, brick or bottle filled with water in your toilet tank to cut down on the amount of water used for each flush. Be sure these devices do not interfere with operating parts.

Turn the water off while you shampoo and condition your hair and you can save more than 50 gallons a week.

Turn off the water while you shave and you can save more than 50 gallons a week.

To save water and time, consider washing your face or brushing your teeth while in the shower.

Keep a bucket in the shower to catch water as it warms up or runs. Use this water to flush toilets or water plants.

Children

Teach your children to turn the faucets off tightly after each use.

Don’t buy recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water.

When the kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area where your lawn needs it the most.

Garden

Plant during the spring or fall when the watering requirements are lower.

Use a layer of organic mulch around plants to reduce evaporation and save hundreds of gallons of water a year.

Choose a water-efficient drip irrigation system for trees, shrubs and flowers. Watering at the roots is very effective, be careful not to over water.

Water your plants deeply but less frequently to create healthier and stronger plants.

Group plants with the same watering needs together to get the most out of your watering time.

Remember to weed your lawn and garden regularly. Weeds compete with other plants for nutrients, light, and water.

While fertilizers promote plant growth, they also increase water consumption. Apply the minimum amount of fertilizer needed.

Start a compost pile. Using compost when you plant adds water-holding organic matter to the soil.

More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering. Be sure only to water plants when necessary.

Water only as rapidly as the soil can absorb the water.

Hardscape And Construction

Use porous materials for walkways and patios to keep water in your yard and prevent wasteful runoff.

Direct downspouts and other runoff towards shrubs and trees, or collect and use for your garden.

Home And Utilities

In many areas evaporative coolers are a popular form of cooling, but they require a seasonal maintenance checkup. For more efficient cooling, check your evaporative cooler annually.

Check your water meter and bill to track your water usage.

We’re more likely to notice leaky faucets indoors, but don’t forget to check outdoor faucets, pipes, and hoses for leaks.

Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet. It’s simple, inexpensive, and can save 140 gallons a week.

Make sure you know where your master water shut-off valve is located. This could save gallons of water and damage to your home if a pipe were to burst.

Winterize outdoor spigots when temps dip to 20 degrees F to prevent pipes from bursting or freezing.

Insulate hot water pipes so you don’t have to run as much water to get hot water to the faucet.

If you have an evaporative cooler or air conditioner, catch or direct the water drain to a flowerbed, tree, or your lawn.

Install water softening systems only when necessary. Save water and salt by running the minimum number of regenerations necessary to maintain water softness.

Listen for dripping faucets and toilets that flush themselves. Fixing a leak can save 500 gallons each month.

Have your plumber re-route your gray water to trees and gardens rather than letting it run into the sewer line. Check with your city codes, and if it isn’t allowed in your area, start a movement to get that changed.

Houseplants

If you accidentally drop ice cubes when filling your glass from the freezer, don’t throw them in the sink. Drop them in a house plant instead.

Collect the water you use for rinsing produce and reuse it to water houseplants.

When you have ice left in your cup from a take-out restaurant, don’t throw it in the trash, dump it on a plant.

Kitchen

When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.

Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost instead and save gallons every time.

Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap for cold drinks, so that every drop goes down you not the drain.

Wash your produce in the sink or a pan that is partially filled with water instead of running water from the tap.

When you shop for a new appliance, consider one offering cycle and load size adjustments. They are more water and energy-efficient than older appliances.

Designate one glass for your drinking water each day. This will cut down on the number of times you run your dishwasher.

Don’t use running water to thaw food.

Soak your pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.

Make sure there are aerators on all of your faucets. This decreases water flow and increases its effectiveness when washing hands, etc.

Install an instant water heater on your kitchen or bathroom sink so you don’t have to let the water run while it heats up. This will also reduce heating costs for your household.

Cut back on rinsing if your dishwasher is new. Newer models clean more thoroughly than older ones.

Cook food in as little water as possible. This will also retain more of the nutrients.

Select the proper size pans for cooking. Large pans require more cooking water than may be necessary.

Throw trimmings and peelings from fruits and vegetables into your yard compost to prevent from using the garbage disposal.

Landscape

Plant during the spring or fall when the watering requirements are lower.

Use a layer of organic mulch around plants to reduce evaporation and save hundreds of gallons of water a year.

Choose a water-efficient drip irrigation system for trees, shrubs and flowers. Watering at the roots is very effective, be careful not to over water.

Reduce the amount of grass in your yard by planting shrubs, and ground cover with rock and granite mulching.

Water your plants deeply but less frequently to create healthier and stronger plants.

Group plants with the same watering needs together to get the most out of your watering time.

Remember to weed your lawn and garden regularly. Weeds compete with other plants for nutrients, light, and water.

While fertilizers promote plant growth, they also increase water consumption. Apply the minimum amount of fertilizer needed.

Next time you add or replace a flower or shrub, choose a low water use plant for year-round landscape color and save up to 550 gallons each year.

Landscape with Xeriscape trees, plants and ground covers. Call your local conservation office for more information about these water thrifty plants.

Leave lower branches on trees and shrubs and allow leaf litter to accumulate on top of the soil. This keeps the soil cooler and reduces evaporation.

More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering. Be sure only to water plants when necessary.

Water only as rapidly as the soil can absorb the water.

Laundry

Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full and you could save 1000 gallons a month.

When you shop for a new appliance, consider one offering cycle and load size adjustments. They are more water and energy-efficient than older appliances.

When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.

Lawns

Avoid planting turf in areas that are hard to water such as steep inclines and isolated strips along sidewalks and driveways.

Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. Longer grass shades root systems and holds soil moisture better than a closely clipped lawn.

Water your summer lawns one inch per week and your winter lawn one inch every two to three weeks.

Reduce the amount of grass in your yard by planting shrubs, and ground cover with rock and granite mulching.

Don’t water your lawn on windy days. After all, sidewalks and driveways don’t need water.

Only water your lawn when needed. You can tell this by simply walking across your lawn. If you leave footprints, it’s time to water. Consider installing moisture sensors.

When watering grass on steep slopes, use a soaker hose to prevent wasteful runoff.

Remember to weed your lawn and garden regularly. Weeds compete with other plants for nutrients, light, and water.

While fertilizers promote plant growth, they also increase water consumption. Apply the minimum amount of fertilizer needed.

Use a Tuna can or buy a rain gauge to track how much rain or irrigation your yard receives.

Use a screwdriver as a soil probe to test soil moisture. If it goes in easily, don’t water. Proper lawn watering can save thousands of gallons of water annually.

Avoid overseeding your lawn with winter grass. Once established, rye grass needs water every three to five days, whereas dormant Bermuda grass needs water only once a month.

Water only as rapidly as the soil can absorb the water.

Aerate your lawn. Punch holes in your lawn about six inches apart so water will reach the roots rather than run off the surface.

Miscellaneous

When you clean your fish tank, use the water you’ve drained on your plants. The water is rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, providing you with a free and effective fertilizer.

Use a commercial car wash that recycles water.

Encourage your school system and local government to help develop and promote a water conservation ethic among children and adults.

Do one thing each day that will save water. Even if savings are small, every drop counts.

Drop that tissue in the trash instead of flushing it and save gallons every time.

Make suggestions to your employer to save water (and dollars) at work.

Support projects that use reclaimed waste-water for irrigation and other uses.

Encourage your friends and neighbors to be part of a water-conscious community.

Pick-up the phone and report significant water losses from broken pipes, open hydrants and errant sprinklers to the property owner or your water management district.

Outside Cleaning

Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway or sidewalk and save 80 gallons or more of water every time.

Wash your car on the grass. This will water your lawn at the same time.

Use a hose nozzle and turn off the water while you wash your car and save more than 100 gallons.

Patio And Pool

Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps.

Periodically check your pool for leaks if you have an automatic refilling device.

Avoid installing ornamental water features and fountains that spray water into the air. Trickling or cascading fountains lose less water to evaporation.

Use a grease pencil to mark the water level of your pool at the skimmer. Check the mark 24 hours later. Your pool should lose no more than 1/4 inch each day.

Make sure your swimming pools, fountains, and ponds are equipped with recirculating pumps.

When back-washing your pool, consider using the water on your landscaping.

For hanging baskets, planters and pots, place ice cubes under the moss or dirt to give your plants a cool drink of water and help eliminate water overflow.

Regardless of size, when you drain the pool, use the water for the lawn and landscape plants. Concerned about chlorine and other pool chemicals? Leave the pool open for a few days and add a circulation pump (like a fountain pump) to circulate and agitate the water. The chlorine and other pool chemicals will naturally dissipate so the water can be safely used.

Pets

When you give your pet fresh water, don’t throw the old water down the drain. Use it to water your trees or shrubs.

Bathe your pets outdoors in an area in need of water.

Sprinklers

Check your sprinkler system frequently and adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.

Minimize evaporation by watering during the early morning hours, when temperatures are cooler and winds are lighter.

Divide your watering cycle into shorter periods to reduce runoff and allow for better absorption every time you water.

Use the sprinkler for larger areas of grass. Water small patches by hand to avoid waste.

Remember to check your sprinkler system valves periodically for leaks and keep the heads in good shape.

Install a rain shut-off device on your automatic sprinklers to eliminate unnecessary watering.

Teach your family how to shut off your automatic watering systems. Turn sprinklers off if the system is malfunctioning or when a storm is approaching.

Set a kitchen timer when watering your lawn or garden with a hose.

Use sprinklers that throw big drops of water close to the ground. Smaller drops of water and mist often evaporate before they hit the ground.

Adjust your watering schedule to the season. Summer lawns need watering less frequently than spring and fall lawns and winter lawns even less.

Travel

While staying in a hotel or even at home, consider reusing your towels.

Grey Water

Grey water is a term not heard much today, but older people will no doubt understand what it is. It basically means any water that is not fit for human consumption, but not no biologically hazardous to humans. In simpler terms, bath, laundry and dish water are all classified as “grey water”. Toilet water is not, and should only go into the public sewer or septic system. In days gone by, before governments wanted to control every facet of our lives, grey water was treated separately from toilet water. It was considered “reusable water” and routed differently from “sewer water”. Now, in the alleged interest of public safety, all “non-potable” water is routed to our public sewer or septic systems.

The truth is that grey water poses no threat to humans and in fact surrounded us, partially as in hand or dish washing, or entirely, as in a bath at some point in its life. This water can normally be reused to water lawns and gardens without harm to either plants, animals or humans. In fact, the soaps found in normal grey water is often an effective insect deterrent. The only potential harm would come from the additives that we have grown accustomed to having in our shampoos and soaps. These come in the form of fragrances, conditioners, colorings, etc. These things quite often may be desirable to us, but are not necessary in the products they come in. In fact, some have proven potentially harmful. But we still want the results regardless of the cost and manufacturers will spend countless millions of dollars annually to make us think they are a magic ingredient that will transform our lives.

In the days before chemicals, most soaps were forms of lye soap (even for bathing), which left little or no scent or conditioners, etc. These were applied afterward in the form or plant-based scents and other homemade recipes. In many studies and surveys, the results of these old methods were equal, or superior to any chemically induced results seen today and posed little potential harm to users, manufacturers or the environment. So effective were these, that many manufacturers are now attempting to go back to these simple products, but in a chemical way.

Consider using unscented products and those with the least amount of conditioners, colorings, etc. While perhaps not as convenient, these can be applied or used after we bathe, etc. if we feel they are absolutely necessary. Often, the end results of using less toxic products (or none at all) after we bathe are far superior to the results obtained by using the products with the additives included. The environment will certainly benefit from it.

Conclusion

Ours is a world of convenience. A convenience that one day may be a luxury we can not afford. As demands on our water resources increase along with the cost of producing it, feeding our vanity and convenience may become totally impractical. It is already irresponsible for all of us and unattainable for many. But change will not come come quickly or easily. It will require a dedicated effort of many small steps by all of us in order to become water efficient and wise consumers of this resource. What are you willing to do to become “water wise” and a responsible steward of this precious commodity? Are you willing to start taking those small steps toward water efficiency or are you one of the millions who will wait until you are forced to do so?  Will you be a part of the cure, or a part of the problem that our children and children’s children will have to face and correct? The choice is yours and mine. Choose wisely.

Product Description
Geib Spanner/Hydrant Wrench 876-40 Spanner/Hydrant Wrench Spanner Wrenches Spanner/Hydrant Wrench Size 4 Inches Pin Lug Malleable Iron… More >>

Geib 876-40 Spanner/Hydrant Wrench

Product Description
Geib Heavy Duty Adjustable Hydrant Wrench 879-8 Heavy Duty Adjustable Hydrant Wrench Spanner Wrenches Heavy Duty Adjustable Hydrant Wrench Size 1 1/… More >>

Geib 879-8 Heavy Duty Adjustable Hydrant Wrench

Product Description
This heavy duty adjustable fire hydrant wrench has a 12″ handle. It is made of zinc plated steel with a knurled handle grip…. More >>

Heavy Duty Adjustable Hydrant Wrench

Fire Hydrant testing. Fish (Me) playin’ fire hydrant roulette…I also lost….Rules are as follows: Hold hydrant wrench in front of you run around hydrant while opening…if you are NEAR, or in front of, the flow end when it opens you must get hit…if you are past it when it opens you are ok…

• The HW/02295 forged steel Hydrant Wrench will fit pentagon nuts up to 1-3/4″ or square nuts up to 1-
• It also has spanners for either pin or lug style host couplings. HW is zinc chromate plated for corr

Reed Forged Steel Hydrant Wrench

• Capable of five different functions; adjustable hydrant wrench; spanner wrench; gas shut-off tool; pry axe head; striking hammer head.

Product Description
EMI has recognized the need for a versatile yet convenient multi fire/rescue tool. The results…The 511 ToolTM. Capable of five different functions; adjustable hydrant wrench; spanner wrench; gas shut-off tool; pry axe head; striking hammer head, this tool is essential gear for all firefighters and emergency first responders. The 511 ToolTM is manufactured of high strength treated alloy. It is also non-sparking, corrosion resistant, light weight and can be worn eas… More >>

511 Fire Rescue Tool

Product Description
HYDRANT WRENCH… More >>

Wheeler-Rex 8700 NA HYDRANT WRENCH 8700