Whether you’re rich or poor, black or white, gay or straight, water is unarguably the great unifier. Without it even the richest man would perish and as our climate continues to change access to clean water is becoming a real concern. The western United States has been experiencing extreme droughts in recent months. California is currently at one of its driest moments in history. They have already started limiting water use throughout the state. Luckily though technology looks like it might have some water saving answers.
There are several software programs and apps that people have been imploring to save water. The programs work by keeping a detailed track of your home water usage as well as comparing it to the water usage of your neighbors. You can also purchase sensors that track water levels in wells, as well as notify you of water leaks and will shut off the water to your home if a major problem is suspected. Some of the most notable options out there include WaterSmart Software, H2O Score and DropCountr.
Water utility companies have found that conservation rather than implementing new technology is a more efficient way to save water on a larger scale. In some state, such as California, utility companies are under pressure to reduce urban water usage. State pressure on municipal facilities will do very little though without individual commitment. Some believe that the key to water conservation comes down to applying pressure on one’s peers. Peter Yolles, founder and chief executive of WaterSmart, explained “Studies show that people tend to underestimate their consumption by half.” By understanding your water usage, you can learn the best way to save water. The real goal for these water saving technologies is for people to educate themselves and then share the information with friends and family. We’ve only got so much water in the world and it’s everyone’s responsibility to do their part.
