Exam 13: Water: a Limited Resource

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As populations increase in developing countries, they overwhelm any governmental effort to improve public water systems. One potential solution is to dig wells. However, the depletion of the aquifer can lower the water table, cause subsidence or sinkholes, and cause the water supply to become salty. Another solution might be rationing, but this would require personnel to enforce the sanctions. While water management projects would help conserve water, it would not increase the water supply. Finally, sharing water resources among countries could be considered. This solution would only work if respective governments cooperate with one another.

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Answers will vary but one such answer follows:
If each individual conserves water, the end result will be cumulative. My individual action plan for conserving water would include three areas: personal hygiene, housework, and landscaping. For personal hygiene, I can turn the tap off while brushing teeth or shaving and only turn it on to rinse. I can shorten my shower to less than 10 minutes and install water-saving fixtures in the bathroom, including a low flow toilet. For housework, I can purchase energy efficient appliances and only run the dishwasher when it is full. I can adjust the water settings on the washing machine to fit the size of the load of clothes. I can also repair any water leaks in or around the house. And for my landscaping, I can keep the turf portion of lawn minimal and xeriscape the remaining yard. Some of the obstacles to these actions would be to break old habits, have the money to fund the water-saving fixtures, and finding the time to fix any and all leaky faucets.