Water and energy conservation begins at home

This year saw unprecedented water shortages in the Southeast, as drought and a battle over available supplies took its toll on the region. The crisis drew attention to the impact of both individual water use and large-scale water management. But while it appeared to be limited to just one area of the U.S., the water crisis should alert all of us to the importance of this resource and how everyone must work to preserve clean drinking water for all.

Individual conservation efforts do have an impact on the water supply. But it must go beyond limited outdoor watering. Conservation needs to come indoors as well and be a part of the everyday routine. Things like turning the water off while brushing one's teeth, saving grey water (water from laundry rinse cycles, bath water, even dish rinse water) and collecting rainwater to water plants, lowering the fill level in the toilet tank, and so on.

In fact, if you really want to see how far you can stretch a gallon of water, turn off indoor water for a day and collect all of your water from an outdoor faucet. You'll discover many ways to clean and cook with that limited supply.

Water conservation can and should go beyond individual effort, however. Many cities are plagued by degrading infrastructure -- broken water mains, burst steam pipes and myriad supply leaks are common. One of the most effective ways to resolve these large-scale water supply issues is for individuals to get involved in their local government. Attend town meetings, organize or join a local conservation group, and lobby for better efforts by officials to resolve infrastructure problems that waste millions of gallons of water every year.

HOME TIP: To reduce water use, install aerators with flow restrictors on older faucets throughout your home. (c) 2007 King Features Synd., Inc.