Heather talked just last week about pollution in the Great Lakes, but that’s not the only water issue in the area.
Despite being surrounded by water, the Great Lakes area actually has a limited groundwater supply, and residents are going through that water faster than nature can replenish it. The infographic above talks about some of the major threats to the area’s groundwater and ideas for preserving this critical resource.
Water Shortages and Drought Across the U.S.
The Great Lakes isn’t the only area in the U.S. facing water shortages. In fact, lately it seems like there are more areas dealing with shortage or drought than not. We all need to change our habits to conserve water now, before the situation becomes even more critical. Here are some ideas to get you started!
Like in other areas facing water shortages and drought, the problem is a combination of unchecked growth, inefficiency, and infrastructure. As individuals, the best things that we can do to make a difference are look for ways to use less water and use less electricity in our day-to-day.
In terms of direct water use, that can mean replacing a thirsty lawn with water-friendly plants, making use of greywater, and swapping out fixtures for energy efficient ones. Electricity uses water indirectly, so getting rid of inefficient appliances, turning off the lights in rooms you’re not using, and even replacing some electricity in your house with alternative power can go a long way in conserving water.
Of course, these are just jumping-off points, and there are lots of other ways to improve water efficiency at home! What are some other things that we can do to conserve water?
Infographic via Visual.ly
You must be logged in to post a comment.