# Simple Actions Can Preserve Enough Water for a City
Written on
Chapter 1: The Urgency of Water Conservation
Climate change is an undeniable reality, manifesting through fires, floods, droughts, and erratic weather patterns. Among the many environmental challenges we face, the scarcity of freshwater stands out as a pressing concern.
Numerous experts predict that freshwater availability will continue to diminish, with some regions experiencing excessive rainfall while others suffer from severe shortages. This imbalance is unlikely to self-correct, and unless you possess magical abilities to conjure fresh springs, it’s crucial to adapt our habits to conserve water.
As water conservation becomes increasingly vital, numerous strategies exist. However, I’ve narrowed it down to two practical steps that anyone can implement.
Section 1.1: Step One - Displacing Water in Your Toilet
If you have a toilet and take showers, you can contribute to water-saving efforts.
Step #1 - Add a Rock to Your Toilet Tank
Begin by removing the lid from the back of your toilet, revealing the water tank. Within this tank is a mechanism designed to hold several gallons of water for flushing.
To make a simple modification, borrow a rock from your neighbor’s garden (and leave a polite note in exchange). Place this rock inside the tank, ensuring not to interfere with any internal components.
This rock will displace some water, meaning that each time the tank refills, it will require less water to do so. The exact amount saved will depend on the size of the rock you choose.
If you feel guilty about borrowing, you can always replace the rock later with the savings from your reduced water bill.
Section 1.2: Step Two - Reducing Shower Duration
Step #2 - Take Shorter Showers
This method requires a bit more dedication but is equally effective.
Begin by timing your showers for a week using your smartphone. Once you have your average shower duration, challenge yourself to shave off a few minutes from this time.
By consciously reducing your shower length, you’ll lower your overall water usage. Every drop counts, and if each person in the U.S. saves just one gallon of water weekly, the collective impact could be monumental.
Chapter 2: The Bigger Picture of Water Savings
The first video, "3 Thoughtful Ways to Conserve Water" by Lana Mazahreh, presents practical methods to reduce water consumption while raising awareness about its importance.
The second video, "15+ Surprising Ways to Save Water (to save money and the planet)," explores various unexpected strategies for conserving water, emphasizing the dual benefits of saving resources and funds.
In summary, even small actions can lead to significant changes. By adopting these two simple steps, not only can you contribute to water conservation efforts, but you can also inspire others to follow suit, ultimately benefiting cities and communities alike. So, go ahead and grab that rock!