Earths investment in water recapture

     Earth has a strong investment in water recapture. Water conservation refers to the capturing of water as well as reducing the use of water. There are multiple ways to inexpensively conserve water. Most irrigation systems use waste water. Only 35 to 40 percent of recaptured water directed towards crop irrigation ever actually meets the crops. Most of the water escapes into canals, leaks from pipes, or evaporates due to warm weather. Swales and cisterns can be used to catch excess water and then be used in the dry season.

     By reusing water, we are first and foremost not depleting the earth of the important water that it needs to operate. Also important is that the toll of continuously processing fresh water that can be avoided through water recapture. The energy used to process water has a huge impact on the earth. By using grey water, and water recapture methods, this impact will be lessened..

     If the rate of water production is not sufficient in one area, pipelines can be used to carry freshwater from where it is abundant, to an area where water is needed. Water can be imported in a variety of ways, including using water trucks. Another, albeit more expensive, way of getting water to a community is desalination. Ocean water can be converted to fresh water using a desalination process.

     There are several factors that keep desalination from being a cure call for water conservation and water shortages. The high capital costs to build the desalination plant, the high cost of the water produced, the energy required to desalinate the water, the environmental issues with the disposal of left over brine, and the high cost of actually transporting the water. Despite all of these things, desalination still has a positive impact on the environment. There are several ways to conserve water.

     • Water can be much more efficiently used within industries.

     • Industries should used water in a closed water cycle if possible.

     • Industries should prevent polluting water so that it can be returned to the water cycle.

     • Grey water waste should be used to irrigate trees or lawns.

     • Water drawn from aquifers should be recharged by treating the water and replacing it back into the aquifer.

     • Water can be conserved by not allowing fresh water to be used to irrigate places such as golf courses, etc.

     • 1500 liters of water is used on average for the manufacturing of a single computer and monitor.

     • Luxury goods should not be produced in hot areas where fresh water has been depleted.

     The use of water recapture has a long term investment on the environment. This is positive along the lines of conserving our earth, lowering our carbon footprints, and making the earth a healthier and happier place for ourselves and future generations.