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Why is Water Saving Week important?

Water Saving Week raises awareness about the need to protect and conserve our planet’s water resources. It provides the opportunity to share knowledge and ideas, and to help collaborate on solutions.

Water is essential to all life on earth. The availability and quality of it can have a significant impact on human health, food security and the environment. Yet, in today’s world, so many people lack access to clean and safe water.

The UN estimates that by 2030 there will be 1.6 billion people who lack safely managed drinking water, and 2.8 billion who lack safely managed sanitation.

Access to safe water and sanitation is one of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. It is set out as a key priority as without it, progress on major global issues including climate change and poverty, is lost or hindered.

Why Should You Save Water?

Making small changes to save water will not only have an impact on the environment and those around you but can have a positive effect on your life too.

  1. To save money. Saving water saves money. Installing water-efficient taps and showers can save both water and energy, leading to better financial savings throughout the year.
  2. Climate change. A big source of emissions is from using hot water from within homes. Reducing showering times, or the amount of hot water you use for washing dishes can help reduce your personal carbon footprint.
  3. The environment. Using water more efficiently helps replenish our rivers and water sources. Improved water management can also lower greenhouse gas emissions and provide some protection against climate hazards.

So How Can You Help to Save Water?

Saving water doesn’t mean changing your entire lifestyle. incremental, manageable changes add up to some great savings!

  1. Check for leaks in your house. A dripping tap, or a constantly running toilet can waste a significant amount of water over time.
  2. Turn off the tap! Whether you’re brushing your teeth, shaving or washing dishes, turning off the tap makes a big difference.
  3. Take shorter showers. Long showers use up a lot of water. You can also install low-flow showerheads; these can help to save 15 gallons of water during a 10-minute shower.

By acting now, creating more awareness and having the conversations with those around us, we can start to make small changes that lead to big differences, in the long term.

Waterwise is an independent voice within the UK, using their platform to raise awareness surrounding the topic. In 2022 they published the Water Efficiency Strategy to 2030, created with 70 organisations.

Resources:

https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal6

https://www.waterwise.org.uk/

https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/climate-issues/water

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/water-conservation-tips

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