World Water Day was March 22. Over 1 billion people worldwide lack clean drinking water. This is a statistic which is easily removed for our consciousness, as we are rarely more than a few feet from a chilled drinking fountain, sinks with hot or cold, toilets flushing gallons away a day and hot showers. But if we continue with our current water guzzling, these might become precious commodities.

Worldwide, 54 per cent of the annual available fresh water is being used. If consumption per person remains steady, by 2025 we could be using 70 per cent of the total because of population growth alone. If per capita consumption everywhere reached the level of more developed countries we could be using 90 per cent of the available water by 2025.”

This map presented at the 2006 World Water Forum in Mexico City, shows the relative “risk status” of 162 countries regarding access to safe drinking water and sanitation. (from here)

“Fortune magazine calls water the oil of the 21st century — ‘the precious commodity that determines the wealth of nations.’”–Food & Water Watch

Here are some simple things you can do to conserve water everday:

* Run the dishwasher only when it is full. Hand wash dishes by filling the sink or a dishpan with water, rather than running water continuously.
* Turn off the faucet when you brush your teeth or shave.
* Take short showers and turn off the water while you soap.
* Choose appropriate water levels for your laundry load size.
* Water your garden or lawn early in the morning, or late at night, to reduce evaporation.
* Allow your grass to grow a little taller to provide shade and prevent water loss.
* Grow plants native to your area’s climate.
* Turn off the hose between rinses when you wash your car.
* Sweep, rather than hose off, your sidewalk.
* Cover your outdoor pool when it isn’t in use.

You can also put an old milk jug in the tank of our toilet, as this helps to reduce the amount of water used with each flush.

Check out h2ouse.org for an interactive home tour that demonstrates water saving tips throughout your house and garden.