Each day close to two billion gallons of wastewater from our sewage treatment plants flow into the Chesapeake Bay. Most of us take for granted that clean water in unlimited quantity will always be available, yet rampant development in the area has increased consumption and added to stream, river, and Bay pollution. This can cause depletion of groundwater supplies and can, in effect, reduce usable water.
The average resident of the Bay region uses between 75 and 100 gallons per day. Only about four gallons of this is actually needed for survival. Much of the rest is used to carry waste.
There are many ways you can save water. In fact, you can reduce your water consumption by 15 to 25 percent without purchasing expensive equipment or being inconvenienced.
For the individual, a reduction in water use can mean substantial savings on water, sewage, and energy bills. For those with septic tanks (30 percent of the population), water reduction can prevent drainfield overloads and require less energy for pumping well water. Simple water conservation practices can prolong the life and performance of your septic system.
For counties and municipalities, widespread reduction in water usage can reduce the need for new or expanded sewage treatment facilities. Money saved from not having to expand can be used to upgrade the water treatment at existing plants.
For the Bay, a reduction in water use can help improve water quality. Many sewage treatment plants are too small to handle the waste of the populations they serve. A reduction in the volume of wastewater entering the plants can often mean more efficient treatment and cleaner waters ultimately being discharged back into the Bay.
We can reduce our water consumption by at least 15 to 25 percent without major discomfort or expense just by changing to good water use habits. Many conservation techniques are simple common sense ideas. Other practices may not be so obvious.
The first step in conserving water is to check for and eliminate any leaks. These may occur in faucets, toilets, hoses, and pipes, and can waste huge amounts of water. At water pressures normally encountered in household systems, a 1/32 inch opening in a faucet can waste up to 6,000 gallons of water per month; a steady drip wastes roughly 20 gallons per day; a leaking toilet may waste 200 gallons per day without making a sound! So if you find any leaks, fix them at once!
Use washing machines only with full clothing loads, and always set load dial appropriately.