How to conserve water as a natural resource?

Planet Earth is covered in running water. Even though more than 70% of the planet is covered by water, only 2.5% is fresh water – form of water that humans and almost all animal species on the planet can consume. That is why water is considered the main reason for life on this and any other planet where we would search for life. Water constantly circulates through nature in one of the biggest natural processes – water cycle. Water cycles indefinitely between oceans, the atmosphere and the soil.

However, this millennia-old cycle of water circulation has changed over the years because of human activities. The pollution of the atmosphere accelerates and strengthens the impact of climate change, which leads to serious and strong weather incidents, followed by long periods of draughts. The irrational use of water for irrigation and industry reduces the available quantities of water, and often the water that is accessible is chemically polluted through pollutants from the soil. Massive wood cutting as well as the disturbance of the natural courses of freshwater ecosystems additionally affect the natural sources of water that supply human settlements and all wildlife.

Photo: Vasil Miljovski

Water is a natural resource that is affected by all of us, which means that small changes in our attitude to water consumption can significantly contribute for its conservation.

• Do not leave taps and showers running when you do not use water.
• Instead of long baths, try showering.
• If you have a yard or a garden, use reasonable water quantities in a period of the day when the plants’ transportation is the smallest.
• If you are a farmer or have bigger plantations, cultivate varieties and produce that require little water.
• Do not pollute water sources, rivers and lakes with any pollutants.
• Buy washing machines and dishwashers with short wash cycles with less water consumption.

 Every drop matters.