With increased temperatures and droughts, water has become a valuable resource.
Summers filled with long sunny days and cloudless skies are the summers we desire and wish for. Although these long hot days come at a cost. With a rising temperature and melting ice caps, we are feeling the consequences of climate change. Droughts, heat waves, and wildfires are becoming part of reality not just speculation. Water shortages and droughts have been in the headlines during the last few weeks. Watering crops has become difficult as reservoirs are drying up putting farmers' in difficult situations as yields are down due to the lack of rain. Livestock that eats grass to stay hydrated and feed are struggling as grasslands have been drying up leaving only dry burnt grass that cannot be eaten. Framers are having to make difficult choices, there are also growing concerns about food shortages over the next few months.
Our wildlife is affected as well, small streams and rivers are resending and drying up leaving animals to stray further and further to find fresh water to drink. Nocturnal animals come out during the day to find water and food resulting in more injuries and deaths. Also with the ground drying out animals that rely on insects and plants to eat are struggling to find anything in the dusty solid earth. Wildlife charities are asking people to leave out water baths and food to help our wildlife. For example bird baths and water baths it short rims to allow small mammals to access the water.
We need to be responsible and careful with how much water we waste. I am not asking people to start making their own drinking water out of urine or stop flushing the toilet, but I am asking them to not run the tap when they don't need it. Hose pipe bans are all good but being waster savvy in the house and at work is more important. Every drop we can save is better for the environment. On average a single household wastes up to 80% of water in their day-to-day life. We need to stop wasting water a precious resource that for years we have been taking advantage of, we watch charity adverts on television showing communities without water and we feel sorry for them that they don't have this. If we don’t start looking after this resource then we will be following in their footsteps. We don't water our children so see dried-up crops suffering animals and an increase in deaths caused by dehydration. I have put a few helpful tips on how you can save water. Get your children involved it is never too early to start learning about being water savvy.
Water saving tips
Don’t overrun the tap
When waiting for the hot water, fill jugs and kettles with the cold water
Have short shower
If you are watering your plants water them either in the early morning or late at night so that there is no water evaporation or burning plants.
Have a jug in the fridge so you don't need to run the cold water tap to have a drink.
Take a short cold and have a timer on when you shower so you don't take too long.
When brushing your teeth turn the tap off
Only use your washing machine and dishwasher when it is full as it saves water and energy.
Use a watering can instead of a hosepipe as it uses less water.
Have a rain collector in the garden to water plants with recycled water instead of fresh.
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