We continue to see scary photographs of rivers running dry and reservoirs at record low levels. Greenland’s famous glaciers are melting at an alarming rate and ScienceAlert.com just published an article claiming this alone could raise ocean levels by 12 inches.
Save Water
But one of the topics that don’t receive a lot of press is how is climate change affecting our groundwater. “Today, groundwater supports 40% of irrigated crop production, sustains drinking water for more than a quarter of the world’s population, and helps maintain nearly half of all freshwater ecosystems.“
- Groundwater is the single most abundant source of fresh water on the planet. The volume of groundwater is more than 30 times that of all the surface water sources like lakes, rivers, and streams combined.
- Groundwater is used most commonly for agricultural irrigation and this function accounts for 40% of all groundwater usage.
- We are increasingly using groundwater at an unsustainable rate. Groundwater is the primary source of replenishment water for rivers, lakes and streams, and as we continue to use more water than the ecosystem can sustain, it contributes to global warming and rought.
- Groundwater can be protected and there are steps we could be taking now.
- Everyone can help by being more careful with the water we use. There is no “silver bullet” that will solve all our water problems. The solution relies on everybody doing their part. Consumers, agriculture, manufacturing, mining, paint and coatings, paper mills, wineries and distilleries, beverages, textiles and garments, automotive manufacturing… The list is endless and everyone needs to do their part.
There is no “silver bullet”. Everyone is going to have to do their part. Every consumer, every business. Want to see who uses the most water today? Here are a few resources to consider:
