Water conservation is a big thing, but every little bit helps, so don't think that what you do doesn't

matter. A whole lot of people doing a little bit adds up to a whole lot. We must all make changes in our lifestyles that will change the course of our water and its quality. Water conservation needs to be a way of life, not just something we think about once in a while. If we all do our part in conserving Washington's water, we can make a huge difference for the environment. Water conservation means using our water wisely and caring for it properly. Since each of us depends on water for life, it is our responsibility to learn more about water conservation and how we can help keep our water pure and safe for generations to come. Since we all enjoy the benefits of having pure, clean water, we must help conserve water so that we may continue to enjoy these benefits. Water conservation is not a job that is just for the technician, soil scientist, hydrologist, forester, wildlife manager, plant scientist, city planner, park manager, farmer, rancher, or mine owner alone. It is a job for the everyday person who just likes to have access to the life sustaining resource of water. We must all recognize that water conservation really is our personal responsibility and not just leave it up to other people. We all enjoy the many ways that we use water, so why not do our part in caring for our water? Our water supply is finite, which means that we do not have an endless supply. We only have the water that we have now. Ninety - seven percent of all the water on the earth is salt water which is not suitable for drinking. Only three percent of all the water is fresh water, and only one percent is available for drinking water. The other two percent is locked in ice caps and glaciers. With all the people on Earth relying on such a small percentage of all the water on Earth, it only makes sense that we must preserve and conserve our water. We must not pollute our water because it is the only water we will ever have. Some people do not realize the importance of water, and they are continually polluting it. Only about ten percent of waste water is disposed of properly. We must learn to save water now for the future. The quality of our water is very important. We have the same amount of water now as there was when the earth was created. This is the water we have, and we must preserve its quality. Water is the foundation of food and life. Next to air, water is our most precious resource. We cannot live without water. Saving water helps to preserve our environment. It reduces the energy required to process and deliver water, which helps in reducing pollution and in conserving fuel resources. Saving water now means having water available in the future for recreational purposes, too. Conserving the water we have minimizes the effects of water shortages and helps build a better defence against future drought years. If we save water now, we are helping to ensure a water supply adequate for future generations. Saving water saves money. $It makes cents! We must save water today so that it will be available to us in the future. We need to think of future generations, people who will not have a sufficient supply of water unless we become more concerned with how we use our water today. There are many things that we can do to help preserve Washington's water. These are not things that are hard. All it takes is a little bit of extra effort, and soon it will be second nature. Save the water, its all we've got! Ref: http://www.farnellfamily.com/cfarnell/why/default.html

Water resources include surface water such as lake, streams, and wetlands as well as groundwater. The Clean Water Act of 1972 laid the groundwork for protection of surfacewater resources. Because pollution can have long-term effects, it is vital to conserve water resources and use them responsibly. Pollution includes more than the direct introduction of contaminants into water; it can also come from agricultural and urban runoff and can have diffuse sources. Conservation, therefore, is necessary on several fronts.

1. Flood Protection
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One of the most important functions of wetlands is flood protection. Wetland soil is capable of storing excess water that would otherwise flood cities and homes. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, this flood protection translates into one million gallons of water absorbed for each acre of wetlands. Coastal wetlands provide additional protection against storm surges during extreme weather events such as hurricanes and tropical storms. These wetlands also help to protect coastlines from erosion.

2. Wildlife Habitat
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Conserving water resources is essential for protecting wildlife habitat. While not all wildlife lives in these environments, 80 percent of the vertebrate wildlife in the Southwest depends upon water resources and habitat at some point during their life cycle. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, more than 33 percent of the nation's threatened and endangered species rely exclusively on wetland habitat. Lack of clean water places wildlife at an increased risk of extinction, with the extinction rates of freshwater organisms five times those of land animals. The heightened risk makes it imperative that these resources are protected. (Reference 4.)

3. Clean Water
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Wetlands provide clean water by filtering out sediment and toxins which enter the environment through runoff. This filtration removes contaminants that might otherwise end up in ground water and drinking water. Toxins are trapped in the sediment where they cannot impact water resources. Because some areas use surface water for drinking water, conservation and responsible use of lakes and streams is imperative for human health.

Protecting the Environment

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Human overuse of water resources increases environmental risks, partially through the introduction of invasive (that is, non-native) species. Since the Great Lakes were opened to ocean-going boats, at least 85 invasive species have entered their waters. This leads to a loss of biodiversity, which in turn degrades wildlife habitats and can have dire economic consequences. (Reference 2.)

References

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Introduction to the Clean Water Act National Wildlife Federation: Invasive Species U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Fish and Wildlife Habitat American Rivers: River Facts

Read more: Effects of Conserving & Using Our Water Resources Wisely | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_6118564_effects-using-water-resourceswisely.html#ixzz1s6iWdpwW ___________________________________________________________________________

Why Is Conserving Water Important?

Reducing our use of water will decrease water pollution, increase energy savings, and create more efficient use of our water resources. Too much water in an on-site sewage treatment system can flush untreated material through before organisms have a chance to break it down. If untreated material gets to the drain field, the material can plug up the soil within the drain field and shorten the life of the septic system. Sending too much water down the drain can also cause systems to "blow out," allowing untreated material to flow out onto the ground. If this occurs, the system needs to be dug up and repaired. Failing septic systems can:

contaminate drinking wells cause health risks such as hepatitis or dysentery cause chemical pollution from household cleaning products contribute excess nutrients to ground water, lakes, or streams

Conserving water in rural areas will increase the life of existing septic systems. Conserving water within a municipal water system will reduce household expenses, increase treatment plant efficiency, and reduce the amount of electricity and chemicals needed to treat wastewater. In both situations, conserving water protects water quality through improved wastewater treatment. Ref: http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/naturalresources/components/DD6946r.html

Can decrease the bil utility payment. we can help keep our water pure and safe for generations to come. enjoy the benefits of having pure, clean water, we must help conserve water so that we may continue to enjoy these benefits. Water is the foundation of food and life. We cannot live without water. Saving water helps to preserve our environment. Carefully conserving water lessens the damaging effects of droughts.

Droughts can decrease food production, raise food prices, increase fire hazards, as well as worsen soil erosion and insect infestation. To minimize the effects of drought. Saving water now means having water available in the future for recreational purposes, too. have minimizes the effects of water shortages and helps build a better defence against future drought years. importance of conserving water for fish and wildlife.