Water Conservation

Water Conservation - Water is often perceived as a cheap, readily available resource. The first choice in providing water for growing demand is often additional supply from surface or ground water sources, rather from conservation.

Water conservation essentially means using less water from the original sources (surface or ground water) to meet given levels of demand. Conservation reduces the amount of water use for various needs through increased efficiency and water re-use (use of water for more than one purpose).

Economic considerations can limit conservation efforts through a narrow perspective on water supply planning; however costs of developing new supply from surface water or ground water sources can be higher considering source depletion and related impacts. Energy costs to pump addition source water, and water quality treatment costs for both drinking and waste water.

Water conservation can be achieved through technological means; however the social aspects of water resources and water-use education, public perceptions, and water stewardship are fundamental to sustainable use our water recourses. Goals of water conservation include:

Sustainability - To ensure availability for future generations, the withdrawal of fresh water from an ecosystem should not exceed its natural replacement rate.

Energy Conservation - Water pumping, delivery and wastewater treatment facilities consume a significant amount of energy. In some US States over 15% of total electricity consumption is devoted to water management.

Habitat Conservation - Minimizing human water use helps to preserve fresh water habitats for local wildlife and migrating waterfowl, as well as reducing the need to build new dams and other water diversion infrastructure.

Water Conservation has different meanings for different people and organizations. It may remind us of constructing dams and reservoirs; of recharging ground water aquifers, or using lower quality water whenever possible in order to save better water. Water conservation encompasses all this. It involves reducing the demand for water by developing water conservation habits, stopping wasteful uses, decreasing peak consumption and charging for water at the appropriate rates. It also means taking advantage of technological developments and improved management techniques; coordinating water resource planning and management with land-use planning and economic and social planning; and establishing new or updated standards and regulations. In short, water conservation means optimal water use.

Newton Consultants, Inc. is very active in water supply and water resources management services for the near-term and long-term water needs of agriculture, eco-systems, municipalities and private development.