Schoolkid.Ph

Decades ago, people drank water directly from the faucet. No one cared to place filtration systems or boil water for drinking. Nowadays, homes have filters to be able to have clean, safe to drink water. Others buy bottled water just to be sure that drinking water is not going to be harmful to the body. Studies made by the Asian Development Bank[1]  showed that pollution and urbanization are the reasons why water is how it is today – unsafe and inadequate.

Blog Action Day – Oct. 15 Theme is on Water and this aims to lift up the consciousness of people about conserving water and develop ways to improve water quality.

When families utilize water conservation and sanitary methods in their homes, they can improve water quality, protect the environment, prevent the spread of water-based communicable illnesses and reduce pollution.  There are  areas that a family can start to develop to take part in water preservation:

·    Conserve water

One of the most important things that people can do to protect their water supply is by conserving water. A lot of people take for granted the fact that water is not a limitless resource. People open the faucet and leave it open not realizing that every drop of water is precious.  Some places still have an abundance of water and this should be protected to prolong its supply.

It is vital that people know where there water supply is coming from. Is it from a water supply system or from a private well? What is the source of your supply?  Understanding where water comes from will help people protect the watershed or source of water.

Here are some tips to conserve water:

Inside the Home
·    Fix leaky faucets and toilets.
·    Don’t let water run while doing something else.
·    Consider changing toilets to newer ones that have water conservation features. Older washing machines and dishwashers waste a lot of water than the newer models.
·    When purchasing new appliances, go for front-loading washing machines and low-flow toilets. Check the water consumption indicated if it uses less water.

Outside the Home
·    Install an automatic nozzle to the water hose so it can be turned off when needed.
·    Water the lawn or plants in the early morning or sunset. They will retain water more if the sun is not so hot.
·    Make a hallow ditch around trees to collect water when it rains.
·    Channel roof gutters to areas that can reach plants and trees.
·    Set the lawn mower to higher setting. Longer grass will retain more water than the short ones.
·    Don’t wash the paved pathway with water instead sweep it.
·    Never use the lake or any other water way to wash dishes or clothes. Detergents will affect water quality.

·    Take care of the septic tank

Many homes today are not connected to the community sewage system and have their own septic tanks.  Make sure that the septic tank is properly maintained. A leaking septic tank will not only cause embarrassment but will affect water quality. Take responsibility to maintain the septic tank and have it unloaded on a schedule (say once or twice a year). There are many tell-tale signs if the septic tank is malfunctioning. Bad odor, drains take a longer time, gurgling sounds from the plumbing or soggy soil surrounding the septic tank field. Once these happen it is time to call for professional service.

A malfunctioning septic tank can contaminate the water level and eventually cause diseases.  If everybody will not mind what is happening to their septic tanks, just imagine how dirty and unsafe underground water will be.

The following are tips to make the septic tank function efficiently:

·    Be aware of the location of the septic tank.
·    Have the septic tank inspected and pumped every few years and on schedule.
·    Take care in choosing household cleaning products. Look for low-phosphorus detergents, use anti-bacterial soaps only when needed, and limit the use of bleach, ammonia, and other harsh cleaners and cleansers. These types of products kill the bacteria in the septic tank needed to break down the waste.
·    Do not use toilets and drains as garbage disposal units. They will clog up and more water is needed once this happens. Garbage also fills up the septic tank.
·    Do not plant trees and plants on the septic tank field area. The roots will clog up the lines and may damage the septic tank walls.
·    When there are tell-tale signs, address this immediately to avoid inconvenience and illnesses.

·    Gardening and landscaping

Filipinos are known to beautify their homes with gardens and landscapes. If there is no piece of land available then the potted plants can be seen by the side of houses or window sills. As harmless as they look, having gardens and landscapes can have an impact on the environment

Below are some tips to make the yard or garden more environmental-friendly as well as help in water preservation:

·    Use gravel instead of a paved driveway as well as limit the size of patios. This will keep existing vegetation intact to protect habitats and prevent runoff.
·    The landscape should be designed in such a manner that it preserves the natural drainage of the property which reduces erosion.
·    Use plants that are native to the area. This preserves the habitat of the other creatures that share the ecosystem.
·    Don’t put yard waste into the drainage system or waterways. When these waterways get clogged they cause oxygen depletion harming fishes and other creatures. They also pollute the water.
·    If chemicals are used in gardening or yard work, do not throw on the soil or any water way. This can cause toxic chemicals to seep into the groundwater or even into leaking pipes. This is very damaging to health.
·    Go natural with the pesticides that is used in garden work
·    Do not just cut trees or any plant without considering the environment. Trees and plants provide natural flood control.
·    Do not water plants during mid day when the sun is at its fullest. Water is needed more during this time than in the early morning or late afternoon.
·    Install a nozzle on the hose to be able to control water flow.

Water is a precious resource of planet Earth. Everyone should be enjoined to safeguard its natural qualities; to be free from pollutants and contamination.  There are already so many groups and government action on the conservation of water. This movement is the start of preserving something that we all need to sustain life for humans, animals and plants.