Is Water A Renewable Resource

With water covering about 80% of our planet, one would think that our water resources are unlimited. However, upon closer inspection, we find that our water-resources at risk, and it is not as renewable as we may think. Here’s why.

All of our drinking water comes from two sources groundwater (underground aquifers) or surface water (lakes, rivers, streams). These sources renew themselves through the water cycle. This is where water moves from the earth to the air and back again. The most basic problem is this - as our population grows, so do the demands placed on these resources. Therefore, water is being drawn out more quickly than it can replenish itself.

Now let’s say you happen to live in a water-rich region, such as the Pacific Northwest or Northeast, you’re free and clear, right? Not quite.

North East

Generally regarded as having a multitude of lakes, rivers and streams to draw from, this region is relatively unaware of the growing demands placed on their water resources. Population growth has continued to play a need for water conservation practices. In addition, from spring until fall, much of the precipitation that falls either evaporates transpires. Transpiration is where plants take in water through their roots and return it as water vapor into the atmosphere.

Thus, in the warmer months when people are out watering their lawns, washing cars, etc, water levels drop rapidly. By late-summer much of this region may enter into a drought, which not only effects humans, but also aquatic life which depends on the water.

Pacific Northwest

This is yet another region that sparks to mind cloudy skies and rainy days. So, why should they be concerned about water conservation? Several major metropolitan cities in the pacific northwest rely on snowpack run-off for their water supplies. Typically, run-off will melt slowly throughout the summer months, providing a steady flow of fresh water. As warmer temperatures have continued, much of this snowpack is melting earlier than ever before. So, by late-summer when water is needed most, the snowpack is gone. This poses a serious problem for this region.

In conclusion, water should not be regarded as an unlimited resource. It is becoming increasingly clear that with our continued growth in global temperatures, and population, water conservation practices need to start today. To learn more about how you can reduce you water consumption, please visit eco touch waterless car wash

© 2007 eco touch LLC

James Dudra is an ecopreneur from Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He currently owns and runs eco touch LLC, which sells a complete line of earth-friendly waterless car care products at eco touch™ waterless car wash + polish

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Dudra