Water Conservation
“The World is Running Out of Water”
But how can this be? Unfortunately 'very easily' is the answer, 97% of the world is covered by oceans and therefore not suitable for drinking, another 2.15% of the water is held in icebergs. The amount of fresh water that is available to humans is actually quite small; therefore it is vital to conserve and protect the water we have, especially if we want our grandchildren to have clean, safe drinking water.
Where does our drinking water come from?
The best place to start is at the beginning. Water moves in a cycle from the earth to the air then to the earth again in a process known as the water cycle. While on the earth, water for drinking comes from two sources: (1) surface water from streams, rivers or lakes, and (2) groundwater from underground aquifers.
Groundwater is pumped to the earth's surface from wells. This water usually requires little treatment before drinking because it has already been filtered through sand and rock as it settles into the earth.
Surface water, however, requires filtration to remove any silt, sand or organic matter collected by the water as it moved from one area to another. Chemicals are added to speed up the process nature uses to clean water.
In Fingal more than 90 percent of our water comes from the River Liffey. This water is made safe for drinking at our water treatment plant in Leixlip.
Conserving our valuable water supply.
It doesn’t have to cost us money to make a difference; all it takes is a small change in the way we do everyday activities in the home and in the garden
In the home
We can save nearly 45 litres of water a day in the Kitchen by running the dishwasher only when it is full. Water can be saved in the bathroom by turning off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving. Another great way to save water is by taking short showers rather than long showers or baths. And remember only wash your clothes when the machine is full, this will save water and money.
Outside the home
Water use can be reduced by watering your garden early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation. Allowing the grass to grow slightly taller will reduce water loss by providing more ground shade for the roots and by promoting water retention in the soil.
Growing plants that are suited to the area ("indigenous" plants) can save more than 50 percent of the water normally used to care for outdoor plants. These include Artemisia, Sage, Crocus & Evening primrose. Further ways of reducing water consumption can be achieved by adding water retaining organic matter to the soil or by collecting water from downspouts through the usage of Water Butts