Day 7- Water Supplies
Identify and explain which human activities are the largest stressors on our freshwater supplies.
Outline water conservation methods and apply some to my personal lifestyle
Outline water conservation methods and apply some to my personal lifestyle
Part 1: Water Usage
On your own paper (there is a sample of how you should set your chart up below) use the table below and the chart to determine your individual water use per day for each activity. Include your share of family uses such as meals, the dishwasher and washing machine. Then determine your total water use per day. Make sure to complete the questions in the worksheet as you go along.
Part 2: Water Waste
Objective
To estimate household water loss from common leaks.
To extrapolate water loss to the surrounding community.
Introduction
Leaks in water lines waste an extremely valuable and diminishing resource. New York City’s Department of Environmental Protection estimates that leaks make up about 10% of the water demand of the city. Since 2000, New York City has examined 31 million feet (5871 miles) of the 33.6 million feet (6364 miles) of water mains and eliminated 89 million gallons per day in leaks. Boston Water and Sewer Commission surveyed 819 miles of its 1182 miles of water distribution mains and fixed 427 leaks out of 444 leaks found, saving 7.16 million gallons of water per day. Water losses in the developing world are more severe. In Iran in 1997, for example, 30% of the 3.8 billion m3 (1 trillion gallons) of treated water for the public was lost. This loss took place in a desert community with a population growing at an annual rate of 1.75%. It might seem that with such large-scale losses in distribution systems, little domestic leaks are of little consequence. This exercise will show that when minor events occur often and long enough, they result in large effects.
Problem Information
To estimate household water loss from common leaks.
To extrapolate water loss to the surrounding community.
Introduction
Leaks in water lines waste an extremely valuable and diminishing resource. New York City’s Department of Environmental Protection estimates that leaks make up about 10% of the water demand of the city. Since 2000, New York City has examined 31 million feet (5871 miles) of the 33.6 million feet (6364 miles) of water mains and eliminated 89 million gallons per day in leaks. Boston Water and Sewer Commission surveyed 819 miles of its 1182 miles of water distribution mains and fixed 427 leaks out of 444 leaks found, saving 7.16 million gallons of water per day. Water losses in the developing world are more severe. In Iran in 1997, for example, 30% of the 3.8 billion m3 (1 trillion gallons) of treated water for the public was lost. This loss took place in a desert community with a population growing at an annual rate of 1.75%. It might seem that with such large-scale losses in distribution systems, little domestic leaks are of little consequence. This exercise will show that when minor events occur often and long enough, they result in large effects.
Problem Information
- Determine the number of people living in your community (city).
- Assume the average household size is four people, and that there are approximately five water sources (faucets and toilets) in each household.
- Assume that two of the faucets leak at the rate of 1 drop/sec.
- Make sure to complete the associated questions on the companion worksheet
Part 3: Water Solution
Answer the following questions/scenarios on the companion worksheet.
1. Alright, you are the mayor of a city, you've got a water crisis in your city. You're running out of water! Your growing population and new industries demand more water, which you don't happen to have. You're the mayor -- you're in charge. How will you solve the problem, since you want to do what's best for your community (and get re-elected)?
There are only two things you can do, increase the supply of water and/or decrease the demand for water. Give your opinions on what measures you'd use to tackle the problem (which is a real situation happening at many places in the world every day).
2. As the population of the United States and the world keeps growing, more pressure is put on our water resources. In the coming years, what do you think the most serious problem will be concerning your water situation?
3. The world faces all types of environmental problems, from water and air pollution to disposing of toxic and radioactive wastes. But, what might be a big problem to me may be just a minor annoyance to you. What are the environmental problems that you feel are most/least important nowadays, and how do water concerns rank against other environmental problems?
1. Alright, you are the mayor of a city, you've got a water crisis in your city. You're running out of water! Your growing population and new industries demand more water, which you don't happen to have. You're the mayor -- you're in charge. How will you solve the problem, since you want to do what's best for your community (and get re-elected)?
There are only two things you can do, increase the supply of water and/or decrease the demand for water. Give your opinions on what measures you'd use to tackle the problem (which is a real situation happening at many places in the world every day).
2. As the population of the United States and the world keeps growing, more pressure is put on our water resources. In the coming years, what do you think the most serious problem will be concerning your water situation?
3. The world faces all types of environmental problems, from water and air pollution to disposing of toxic and radioactive wastes. But, what might be a big problem to me may be just a minor annoyance to you. What are the environmental problems that you feel are most/least important nowadays, and how do water concerns rank against other environmental problems?