When you use water to cook, take showers, wash your car, do the dishes or flush the toilet, you probably don't think about how much water you're using. If you are, it likely has to do with the amount of your water bill. However, it's not your fault. When you become used to a certain thing, you unintentionally take it for granted. But did you know that you can save a significant amount of money by using less water? Did you know that conserving water can help save the planet too? 

Benefits of Saving Water

Ninety-seven percent of all water on earth is saltwater, which isn't suitable for drinking. Of the 3% of freshwater on earth, only 0.5% is fit for consumption. For this reason alone, it's very important to preserve water and reduce water usage. With growing population rates and such a small percentage of water on earth available for drinking, it only makes sense to preserve and conserve this precious resource. There are many reasons why conserving water is so important to sustaining life and the earth. The benefits of saving water include:

Protects against rising costs and political conflict: When different areas experience a shortage of water, governments often have to share that water with other cities. This can lead to political conflict and legal battles about which area has rights to certain bodies of water. Failure to preserve water supply can also lead to other consequences such as rising costs due to higher demand, reduced food supplies and drought.

Grows food: The fruits and vegetables you consume need water to grow. However, if the area you live in suffers from a drought, it'll be more difficult to find sources of water. According to nutrition science, this can lead to a decrease in food supply and higher prices. 

Protects the ecosystem and wildlife: Animals require water to sustain life just as humans do. In fact, every species on the planet needs water to live and thrive. Because water is so essential to sustaining life, conserving water can prolong the planet and the life that inhabits it. 

Saves energy: Reducing water usage reduces the energy required to process and deliver it to homes, businesses, farms and communities. This helps reduce pollution and conserve fuel resources. As a result, saving water can reduce your carbon footprint and save you money because you're using less energy.

Different Ways to Conserve Water

Now that you have a better understanding of why conserving water is essential, your next step should be finding different ways to use less water. One way to preserve water is to install water-efficient devices. High-efficiency sprinkler nozzles, high-efficiency washing machines and water-efficient shower heads will help with water conservation because they don't use as much water.

You can also reduce your water usage by shutting off the water while you brush your teeth, using a dishwasher instead of hand washing dishes and taking shorter showers. By checking your plumbing, you can significantly reduce your water usage. For example, your toilet may have a small leak that you may not notice. 

To check your toilet for leaks, try putting a few drops of food coloring in your toilet tank. If color begins to appear in the toilet bowl, then it's a sign that you have a leak. This could be wasting more than 100 gallons of water per day. You can also check your faucets and pipes for leaks. Even the smallest drip can be causing you to waste a significant amount of water each day. Water is so important to life. Because it's a limited natural resource, it's critical that you do everything you can to reduce your usage.