Do your part for Long Island’s water at home
Water pollution is often the hot topic of discussion for the Long Island Clean Water Partnership. From contaminants to harmful algal blooms, and advocating for policy change on the local and regional level, we work to raise an awareness of what threatens Long Island’s water. What is equally important however, is water conservation.
According the Suffolk County Water Authority, while 70 to 75% of the Earth’s surface is covered with water, only 1% is available for human use. This is an extremely valuable, finite resource. Using water efficiently helps to preserve our water supply for future generations. Here are some water conservation tips you can do at home:
Running Water – Simple things like turning off the tap while you brush your teeth, only running the washer and dishwasher when they are full, and taking shorter showers conserve water. WaterSense fixtures meet the EPA’s standards for water conservation by using less water and still performing as well or better than standard models. Look for these labels when replacing fixtures.
Fix Leaks – A toilet leak can waste around 200 gallons of water every day. Fixing a leak can reduce household water use and conserve water. Check for other leaks around faucets as well.
Lawn Care – Cut your grass high at three inches to ward off invasive plants, build stronger root systems, and require less water. If you must water your lawn, do so in the early morning or evening when water evaporates less quickly. High-nitrogen fertilizers are also a detriment to our water quality. Opting for natural lawn care service can help mitigate these concerns.
Transportation – Washing a car uses about 150 gallons of water. Wash your car by hand with a bucket and sponge (skip the hose!) or cut back on car washes all together to help conserve water. One gallon of gasoline takes about 13 gallons of water to produce. Use public transportation, carpool, or group your errands together to spend less time in the car. It saves money, too.
Do you know how much water you’re using? Use the Water Footprint Calculator to see how much water you use and what you can cut back on to help conserve water. For more tips on what you can do at home to help protect Long Island’s water, click here.