If we all do our part in saving precious water supplies, we can make a huge difference for the environment.
The average person uses around 140 litres of water a day. But huge water deficits are on track to occur by the 2080s – so we need to start cutting down.
Water conservation means using water wisely and not contributing to unnecessary wastage.
Top reasons to conserve water:
Conserving water saves energy. Energy is needed to filter, heat and pump water to your home, so reducing your water use also reduces your carbon footprint.
Using less water keeps more in our ecosystems and helps to keep wetland habitats topped up for animals like otters, water voles, herons and fish. This is especially important during drought periods and in areas like South East England where there is a big demand on water supplies.
Conserving water can save you money. If you have a water meter then the less water you use, the less you may be charged by your water company.
Waiting for the tap to run cold can waste 10 litres of tap water a day!
Save water in the kitchen:
Put a large bottle of tap water in the fridge to save waiting for the tap to run cold. Waiting for the tap to run cold can waste 10 litres of water a day!
Only fill the kettle with the amount of water needed.
Put lids on saucepans to reduce the amount of water lost during heating.
Put your dishwasher and washing machine on with full loads and on an eco-setting wherever possible.
Use a washing-up bowl in your sink to reduce the volume of water you use to fill the area.
Save water in the bathroom:
Turn the tap off while brushing your teeth. A running tap can waste more than 6 litres of water a minute!
Purchase a water-efficient toilet (one with a dual flush) or go by the old saying ‘if it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down!’
Get a cistern displacement device to save up to 5,000 litres of water every year. They are free from most water companies.
Shower instead of bathe. An average bath uses around 80 litres of water, but a shower typically uses between 6 and 45 litres.
Install water-efficient taps and showers to minimise heating water – this will save you money on your water and energy bills, as well as decreasing your carbon footprint.
Fix a dripping tap. A dripping tap can waste 15 litres of water a day!
Save water in the garden:
Sprinklers can use as much as 1,000 litres of water an hour! In truth, it’s okay for the lawn to go brown, it will recover the next time it rains.
Use a water butt to catch large amounts of rainwater and use this to water your plants, clean your car and wash your windows.
Use mulch and bark in your garden, it will help to reduce evaporation by up to 75%.
Plant drought-resistant plants that don’t require as much watering.
More useful tips and in-depth information can be found on the whitewaterblackgold.com website.
Long showers feel great, but with every minute you spend pampering yourself, your wallet and the environment struggle. Along with saving money on your monthly bills, water conservation is critical for your community. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, it’s likely that at least 40 states will experience water shortages by 2024
Follow these tips for how to save water at home:
1. Be mindful of running water.
Don’t keep the faucet running the entire time you’re brushing your teeth or washing your hands. You may have heard this one before, but it’s easy to lazily run the faucet instead of turning it off while scrubbing and then turning the tap back on when you’re ready to rinse. Similarly, avoid luxuriously long showers. Try to limit shower time to 10 to 15 minutes maximum to prevent wasting excess gallons of water.
2. Fix leaks as soon as possible.
Look out for leaky faucets, dripping water from shower heads, rusting pipes and signs of water damage. Locate the source of the leak, and fix it immediately to avoid wasting more water.
3. Don’t let the toilet run.
If you notice that your toilet is constantly running, try replacing the flapper. Simply shut off the water to the toilet, and flush to drain the tank. Unhook the old flapper from the base of the tank and chain, and then replace it with the new one. Turn the water back on, and you’re all set. If that doesn’t work, it may be time to buy a new toilet. Look for an energy-efficient model, and follow these steps to remove the old unit and install the new one.
4. Wash full loads only.
Make sure the dishwasher and washing machine are full before you run them. If you have a unit with energy-saving settings for light washes and smaller loads, take advantage of them. When it’s time to invest in a new machine, look for water-saving models with the settings that allow you to adjust to load size.
5. Use a compost bin.
An in-sink garbage disposal needs a lot of water to work efficiently, so opt for a compost bin instead. It’s healthier for the environment while reducing water waste and increasing the energy efficiency of your home.
6. Insulate pipes.
Be sure to insulate exposed pipes around the house, especially in the attic and basement. When they’re not insulated, it takes longer for water to heat up, meaning it’s running for longer periods of time. You can also cover the water heater with insulating blanket to further speed up the process.
7. Run the sprinklers in the morning.
The optimal time to water your lawn is early morning. This strategy prevents rapid evaporation from midday heat, which means less water is required to sufficiently cover the grass. Avoid rogue sprinklers wasting water by spraying the sidewalk or side of the house, instead positioning them to face the grass and landscaping appropriately.
8. Perform routine appliance maintenance.
Proper appliance care and upkeep can prevent potential leaks and wasted energy. This preventative maintenance includes regular cleaning and seeking professional advice when necessary. Plus, if it’s time for an upgrade, buy energy-saving products and appliances. According to the EPA, the average household can use about 20 percent less water with water-efficient fixtures and appliances.
Complement your water conservation at home with these ways to increase energy efficiency. With mindful changes, you can reduce your carbon footprint and save money each month.
If you notice spikes in your water bill, serious leaks or other maintenance issues during your water conservation efforts, don’t hesitate to call a professional.
Being prepared before maintenance issues arise is always a good strategy. Plans from White water black Gold can help with the costs of covered repairs. See what plans are available in your area.
Before we talk about the conservation of water, here are a few facts and figures that’ll help you understand the importance of water conservation.
‘76 million people in India do not have access to safe drinking water.’
‘54% of India faces high to extremely high water stress.’
Shocking, isn’t it!
Conservation of water is the need of the hour as water is a limited natural resource and in order to ensure that it is adequate for all, we need to use water with more care so as to minimize the wastage of water. One can’t stress enough about the importance of saving water. Thus, here are a few quick tips on how to save water or more importantly, how to conserve water that we should all follow unfailingly. These simple tips for water conservation in our daily life can help to effectively combat the problems related to water shortage.
5 Simple Ways To Save Water Daily
1. Take a Shower of 5 Minutes or Less
Love taking super long showers? According to this research, on average, an individual might be wasting 17 gallons of water per shower. That’s right!
If you were to multiply this number with all the members of your family, you’d notice the amount of water wasted is outrageous, to say the least. As such, one of the best methods of conservation of water that you can do right at home, right now, is cutting-down long showers.
It is one of the easiest ways to save water at home. Also, depending on the efficiency of your shower-head, you could be typically using 5 gallons (18 litres) of water per minute. To conserve water, it is ideal to take a shower of 5 minutes or less and this simple change in your daily routine can help save up to 70 litres of water per shower. Plus, you can also replace your shower-head with a low-flow shower-head to save water.
2. Install a Water-saving Toilet Flush System
This is one of the other excellent tips to save water!
One of the largest sources of domestic water wastage is flushing toilets. It is estimated that old toilets use an insane amount of water (5 to 7 gallons) per flush. Thus, by installing the latest water-saving toilet flush system, you can save up to 700 litres of water each year.
This water-saving method is slowly gaining traction, as more and more people are becoming aware of how small steps for water conservation can have an overall greater impact on the environment.
Moreover, by switching to newer models that use a lower volume of water to flush toilets, you not only significantly reduce water consumption but also save money on your water bill, which is a win-win for both – you as well as the environment.
3. Turn Off the Tap While Brushing Your Teeth & Washing Your Hands
How many times have you left the tap running while brushing your teeth or washing your hands & face or while shaving? Too many times to count, correct? Thus, if you are serious about conserving water, then this is one of the most basic water-saving ideas that you can put into practice everywhere you go – from home (especially while brushing teeth) to office, restaurants, and more.
You can save up to 20 litres per day just by turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or washing your hands and face. This water conservation method can be easily put into practice in every household and the benefit of this, like water-saving toilets – is two-fold i.e water conservation as well as a lower water bill.
4. Don’t Keep The Tap Running While Washing Clothes/Utensils
Another common everyday household chore that leads to considerable water wastage is keeping the tap running while washing clothes and utensils. Here, one of the recommended tips on saving water is to wait until the sink is full and wash dishes all at once instead of washing them one-by-one under a running tap.
Likewise, for machine washing, a full load of laundry is a water-efficient choice. Whereas, for hand-washing, using less amount of detergent will require less water for rinsing.
Turning off the tap while washing clothes and dishes is one of the efficient ways to conserve water. This will save more than 50 litres of water per day. Plus, if you are using a washing machine or a dishwasher, then by following this tip you can save water and electricity.
5. Close Taps Properly and Fix Leaking Taps, Pipes & Toilets
Apart from turning-off taps when not in use, another way of saving water is to do a regular maintenance check and fix/replace old leaking taps, pipes and toilets. By doing this, you can save up to 75 litres of water each day which is huge and combines with all your efforts of conservation of water at home.Here is an infographic on Top 5 Ways To Save Water In Your Home Take a look!
Various Other Methods of Water Conservation
Apart from the above 5 methods of water conservation, a few other tips to save water at home includes;
Never throw/drain leftover water in a glass or bottle. This can be used for watering a plant or to fill water bowls kept for birds.
Don’t water your lawn every day, twice a week is enough. Also, to reduce loss from evaporation, the best time to water the lawn is early morning.
Install a residential water purifier for home use. Instead of buying bottled water and throwing away leftover water, you can switch to a water filter, which is a convenient way of getting clean and safe water right at home. This will help save money, reduce unnecessary water wastage, and help reduce the disposal of plastic bottles in landfills, which will help save the environment.
Instead of hosing down your driveway or sidewalk or steps, use a broom to clean leaves and other debris. This will help you save hundreds of gallons of water.
Switch to water-efficient products and appliances for your home and office use.
#Conclusion
‘Save Water Save Life’ – this quote rings true as all life stems from the water. By following these simple tips to conserve water, you can avoid daily wastage of water. And, this, in turn, can help us make a water-sufficient country where everyone has access to safe drinking water all year around.
Clean fresh water is a very limited resource. Of all of the water that exists on Planet Earth, less than 1 percent of it is usable fresh water. Water is so important for our own bodies that we can only survive for 3 to 5 days without it [1]. We bathe in fresh water. We use it to wash our clothes and our dishes. We cook with it. We clean with it, and we drink it.
For most of us, we use water for many activities on a daily basis. And all of this daily water consumption adds up to a lot of water.
Every day, an average American family uses more than 300 gallons (1,135 liters) of water and around 70 percent of that is used indoors, with the bathroom accounting for the largest share since a toilet alone can use 24 percent [2]!
Such a high water consumption is far from the 1.2 billion people in the world who lack adequate access to water and use less than 5 gallons (19 liters) per person per day [7].
Why should we conserve water and help preserve water resources we have?
There is no more water being produced on our planet
The amount of water that we have on Earth today is the same amount of water that it has always had.
For increasing number of people living in our world today, the fresh clean water that does exists and is available on our planet is becoming less and less accessible.
We are losing our freshwater supplies
As the world continues to warm, freshwater will become more limited in the future for all of us.
We are already seeing more drought conditions throughout the globe, and as the climate continues to warm we will see increased drought and desertification in many places around the world. That will make it very challenging to provide enough water for a growing global population.
Modern lifestyle supports water wasting
And yet, in many ways, we continue to waste water through activities such as watering of lawns, using agricultural, industrial, and municipal methods that are very water-consumptive, and often polluting fresh water through agricultural runoff and through the use of chemicals.
The watering of lawns is a particularly wasteful activity, as we water our lawns with fresh potable water at a time in history when many people around the world do not have enough water to meet even their basic daily needs.
If we do not begin to seriously conserve our precious clean freshwater resources now, we may all find ourselves in a world of increased conflicts, fighting over what usable water remains. This is a future that very few would desire.
Our future doesn’t have to be so disastrous, however. Today, all of us can make important choices each time that we use water. Each decision of how we use water has the potential to make a positive impact for the future of our global water resources.
How can you conserve water at home? The best water saving devices for the home
The wasteful management of this key resource also has, beyond the multiple environmental consequences, economic implications for every household. While it is generally accepted that energy efficiency measures, such as double-glazed windows offer a clear advantage to consumers, the same benefits are not as widely supported when it comes to water saving technologies.
By introducing water saving devices in every home, households stand to curb their water bills and help conserve water resources.
Here are some great solutions that provide a great return on investment for you and at the same time significantly help to reduce your water consumption:
#1 More efficient flushing
Nowadays, standard toilets use 1.6 gallons (6 liters) per flush, but older toilets, for example such as those before 2001, may use as much as 3.5 to 7 gallons (13 to 26.5 liters) per flush.
In the UK alone, this difference in standards could save around 600 million liters of water a day and over 65,000 tons of carbon dioxide each year [4].
There is one gadget that can help bring older toilets up to the standard of newer ones and help conserve water when flushing. It is the Hippo. It is easy to install and lasts a very long time. The Hippo is a type of polyethylene bag which can be manually placed in the water underneath the cistern float [4]. When the toilet flushes, and the water confined in the bag is saved.
#2 Water saving shower heads
We all know how important it is to turn the tap off when applying soap or shampoo and only keep the water running when rinsing. But there is more we can do to make our showers more water efficient.
Installing water efficient shower heads can save you up to 10 gallons (38 liters) of water for each 10-minute shower, depending on the model you choose. In an average family of four that adds up to 2,700 gallons (10,220 liters) of heated water per month [5].
Similarly, installing a low flow faucet aerator helps minimize the amount of water that flows out of the faucet, so less water is used overall.
#3 Smart sprinklers
Households consume a lot of water for outdoor activities, primarily when looking after gardens and watering plants. It was therefore only a matter of time until innovators dabbled with updating the traditional garden sprinklers.
The Droplet sprinkler helps conserve both water and energy by connecting it to a smartphone or tablet. When connected the Droplet sprinkler can develop a customized water schedule for the specific garden or set of plants using information from the Droplet sprinkler’s vast data network.
This tailored and targeted watering uses as little as 10 percent of the water of traditional sprinklers and save over $250 per year, in addition to thousands of gallons of water [6].
#4 Grey water diverter
Another way to conserve water is to divert water used in the bathroom or kitchen and reuse it for other purposes, particularly for watering the garden or washing cars.
In most households, this water goes straight into the sewage, but a grey water diverter can divert this water and store it in a storage vessel or connect it directly to a water hose.
While this would help conserve water, it is important to note that the grey water is often mixed with cosmetics or household cleaners that can harm the environment in large quantities. Unless all the products that are used in the household are eco-friendly, it would make sense to opt for a grey water diverter valve.
This means that instead of having a simple equal tees waste pipe splitter which is connected into the bathroom wastepipe before it joins the sewer pipe, a valve and a manual switch are added on to that so that you can choose which water can be conserved and which should not.
Other little actions you can take to make the difference
Do not forget to turn your faucets off when running water is no longer needed.
You can choose to landscape your lawn in a way that does not require watering. Opt for native plants and grasses as these are more likely to thrive with rainfall and very minimal additional irrigation.
Your diet can also have a tremendous impact of water conservation. Eating less meat can make a real improvement to water scarcity as a typical hamburger can take 630 gallons (2,384 liters) to produce.
Also, do not forget to support companies that include water conservation as one of their corporate values and farming practices that conserve water.
Support public policies and organizations that are working to conserve our global water resources for future generations.
Most of all, you should be mindful of how much water you use, conserve water wherever you can, and have an attitude of gratitude for the water that is still available to many of us.
What are we currently doing to protect global freshwater resources?
Governments around the world are legislating to ensure that water used for industrial purposes is cleaned up before being reintroduced in the water stream, the same goes for water used in cities and households as the sewage system and water treatment processes aim to clean the water.
Initiatives are in place to ensure that our farming activities impact the environment and our freshwater resources to a lesser extent. Farmers often use pesticides and fertilizers to grow crops; their use pollutes water used for irrigation and causes imbalances in the aquatic ecosystems where that water ends up.
That is the reason why this issue needs our ultimate attention and international effort to protect this vital resource.
This UNECE’s (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe) agreement aims to protect and ensure the quantity, quality and sustainable use of transboundary water resources by facilitating cooperation across countries.
Members of the Convention agree to cooperating on the management of transboundary waters by entering into specific agreements and establishing joint bodies. While initially negotiated as a regional instrument, as of March 2016 other UN member states can sign up to this Convention, making this into a universally available legal framework for transboundary water cooperation initiative.
Addressing water issues in developing countries
While progress is being made in many parts of the world, some developing regions still do not take water protection seriously.
For example, the state of water in countries like China is rather bad: 20 percent of the groundwater in China used as drinking water is highly contaminated with carcinogenic chemicals which cause high levels of water pollution.
One very important element is to make sure that developing regions invest in protecting their freshwater resources better to eliminate discrepancies in legislative ambition for water protection.
This can be achieved by putting pressure on local governments as well as supporting civil society organizations working on the ground in compromised regions to deliver projects that will help clean and protect our planet’s freshwater resources.
Well, water-avoiders of the world, it’s time to change. This is especially important in these hot summer months when dehydration is a concern.
Drinking water is key to optimal health and is essential. Your body is about 60 to 70 percent water, and water helps provide a balance of body fluids, keeps your skin looking healthy, assists your kidney health, and helps maintain normal bowel function.
Benefits of Drinking Water
Here are six reasons to make sure you’re drinking enough water or other fluids every day:
Water keeps you young – Drinking plenty of water keeps your skin moisturized and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Drinking water is good for your joints – Your joints need moisture in order to remain strong and flexible so that your movements are smooth and pain free.
Water makes you smarter – Water increases your cognitive function. Your brain needs a lot of oxygen in order to function at optimal levels.
Water protects your heart – It may sound crazy, but drinking a large amount of water could possibly help prevent heart attacks.
You can lose weight from drinking water – Water suppresses your appetite, so you don’t eat as much. Drinking plenty of water also prevents fluid retention.
Drinking water keeps you alert – Dehydration is a huge cause of fatigue. By drinking water you will be more alert and active during the day.
How Much Water Do You Need?
According to Natalie Newell, registered dietitian for REX Wellness Center of Wakefield, while it’s a good rule of thumb to consume at least 64 ounces of water per day, “no single person is the same, so it’s important to pay attention to your daily hydration needs. A great way to pay attention to your hydration level is to pay attention to your thirst level and urine output and color.”
You need to drink fluids daily, even though foods like fruits and vegetables can provide you with some liquids. Consuming foods with high water content also allows you to feel fuller, helping you control calorie intake.
Foods with high water content include:
Fruits and vegetables like watermelon, celery, tomatoes, melon and oranges
Soups
Popsicles (but watch the sugar)
Smoothies (same sugar warning here)
But you should still be drinking:
Plain old water (the best choice)
Hot or cold tea, unsweetened
Coconut water
Sparkling water
Natural juices—make sure there’s no sugar added, and drink in moderation
Water with added fresh fruit
For all the people who dislike the taste of water, here are some tips to make it easier to enjoy:
Add crushed ice and a squeeze of lemon
Add cucumber, strawberries or other fresh fruit or vegetables
Find a bottle or special cup you enjoy using, especially one that keeps water ice-cold
Use a water-tracking app to gamify water consumption
Set goals, like 40 ounces of water before lunch and then 40 ounces before dinner.
What do you, the trees, and a hamster have in common? Give up? You all need water. All living things must have water to survive, whether they get it from a water fountain, a rain cloud, or a little bottle attached to the side of a hamster cage.
Without water, your body would stop working properly. Water makes up more than half of your body weight, and a person can’t survive for more than a few days without it. Why? Your body has lots of important jobs and it needs water to do many of them. For instance, your blood, which contains a lot of water, carries oxygen to all the cells of your body. Without oxygen, those tiny cells would die and your body would stop working.
Water is also in lymph (say: limp), a fluid that is part of your immune system, which helps you fight off illness. Water helps keep your temperature normal. You need water to digest your food and get rid of waste. Water is needed for digestive juices, urine (pee), and poop. And you can bet that water is the main ingredient in perspiration, also called sweat.
Besides being an important part of the fluids in your body, water is needed by each cell to work.
Your body doesn’t get water only from drinking water. Any fluid you drink will contain water, but water and milk are the best choices. Lots of foods contain water too. Fruit contains quite a bit of water, which you could probably tell if you’ve ever bitten into a peach or plum and felt the juices dripping down your chin. Vegetables also contain a lot of water — think of slicing into a fat tomato or crunching into a crisp stalk of celery.
How Much Is Enough?
Because water is so important, you might wonder if you’re drinking enough. There is no magic amount of water that kids need to drink every day. The amount kids need depends on their age, body size, health, and activity level, plus the weather (temperature and humidity levels).
Usually, kids drink something with meals and should definitely drink when they’re thirsty. But if you’re sick, or it’s warm out or you’re exercising, you’ll need more. Be sure to drink some extra water when you’re out in warm weather, especially while playing sports or exercising.
When you drink is also important. If you’re going to sports practice, a game, or just working out or playing hard, drink water before, during, and after playing. Don’t forget your water bottle. You can’t play your best when you’re thinking about how thirsty you are!
When your body doesn’t have enough water, that’s called being dehydrated. Dehydration also can keep you from being as fast and as sharp as you’d like to be. A bad case of dehydration can make you sick. So keep that water bottle handy when the weather warms up! Not only does water fight dehydration, but it’s refreshing and has no calories.
Your body regulates the amount of water in your system. The body holds on to water when you don’t have enough or gets rid of it if you have too much. If your pee is very light yellow, you are well hydrated. When your pee is very dark yellow, it’s probably time to drink up.
You can help your body by drinking when you’re thirsty and drinking extra water when you exercise and when it’s warm out. Your body will be able to do all of its wonderful, waterful jobs and you’ll feel great!
Millions of Americans are exposed to unsafe drinking water every year. And globally? 844 million people are without the most basic clean water services.
This is a huge issue for any number of reasons, but most importantly is human health.
The majority of any human body, infant, adult male or female, is made up of water. So when your doctor tells you to hydrate more, you better believe it’s good advice! Ok, so you’ve committed to drinking more water. But is your water really safe straight from the tap?
Instead of worrying, it’s a good idea to get a water filter installed. There are so many benefits to this, not just for your health. But how do you choose the right one?
Keep reading for 8 tips on styles to help you figure out which water filter is best for you and your family.
1. Water Filter: Go Big or Go Frugal?
These days, there are many styles of water filters to choose from. That can cause some confusion for you, but only if you don’t know what you need and want from a water filter. You might need to do a little research, first.
For example, what state do you live in? Some states have public water issues that might really impact your family’s health. That would mean you’d need a bigger, more complicated water filter for your entire home. Or, you could live in a state with higher quality water, and you’d only need a small, simple filter unit.
In addition, you need to decide how much water you and your family uses per day, and if you want to deal with a higher maintenance option that requires electricity. If it’s just you in your home, you could get away with a nonelectrical option that doesn’t need to filter too much.
Some filters are more affordable than others, too. If you’re really invested in you and your family’s health, then it would make sense to purchase something with a warranty that will do a lot of work over a long period of time.
But if you’re budgeted and aren’t sure if you’re ready for that kind of investment, something small might do the trick.
Regardless of what you do end up choosing, it will be well worth the investment. Filtering your water is always beneficial.
2. Carbon Filter
If your water is obviously funky- tastes bad, looks murky, or smells weird, you could get an activated carbon (charcoal) filter. It’s great for removing chlorine, pesticides, herbicides, which is vital for your health. It’ll also remove radon and THM’s (trihalomethanes) along with some other inorganic chemicals.
A real issue to consider is that some, but not all, carbon filter will remove lead. Some of the varieties that will trap lead are solid-block and pre-coat absorption filters. You’ll have to check the certification of the unit you’re looking at buying, and really check for proof that it actually does remove lead.
These filters also won’t remove salts, nitrates, and nitrites, nor will they remove all metals. Don’t rely on a carbon filter to remove all organisms, either.
The thing to remember with these filters is they will accumulate the contaminants they remove, so bacteria and other critters might breed on it. You’ve got to replace filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Don’t think that a carbon filter that has pesticide silver is actually effective. The EPA hasn’t endorsed those, and studies have shown they’re not totally effective at killing bacteria or other microcontaminants.
Be aware that the range of carbon filters will vary in price. The countertop or faucet-mounted options that sell for super cheap aren’t always the most effective, while the whole-house units will eliminate anything worrisome. So you’re looking at a wide range of prices from $30 to thousands.
3. Reverse Osmosis
Are you living in a state where removing inorganic chemicals like salts and lead, asbestos or any other toxic chemical has shown up in public water supply? You might be in the market for a reverse-osmosis (RO) water filter.
Most models will also contain carbon filters, both pre and post, which will do a good job of catching sediment, pesticides, and the other dangerous chemicals like radon. They’ll also remove lead but won’t always remove chlorine. The taste of the water will be good, though. The post-filter handles that.
RO filters will connect directly to your plumbing, so locating them under the sink and to your faucet supply is ideal. Small tanks will store filtered water until it’s needed, and contaminated water drains out through the line to the sink trap.
The water you actually drink comes out of a separate, sink-top spout. They aren’t too expensive, ranging from $200 to $400 and there are models that cut down on the amount of water wasted.
4. UV Water Filters
These are great filters for when you want to be ‘high-tech’ and eco-friendly.
However, they won’t be effective against chemical pollutants. They also won’t kill spores, although they can kill most bacteria, viruses, and help your water taste and look better. Combining them with carbon filters is ideal, and these units will cost from $300 to $700.
5. Water Distillers
These water filters are the most convenient. They’re simply portable, sink-top devices that do a good job of eliminating salts, asbestos, organic chemicals, lead, and metals.
They’re inexpensive, but you might find your water tastes a bit weird. Distillers heat the water until it becomes steam, then condenses the steam back into water. That gets deposited in a separate chamber (a fun science experiment for kids) which keeps the junk from following along.
However, unless you get a carbon filter to go along with it, a distiller can’t remove all bacteria and chemicals. You’ll have to fill this manually, and they use a lot of electricity to operate.
They’ll take several hours to complete their process, too. A gallon of water can take some time to be produced. The price range is affordable, though, ranging from $80 to $400.
6. Water Filtering Faucets
You can look for a full, under-sink unit, which is ideal. But there are filters that attach to the end of your faucet spout. Again, like other devices that are more portable, and changeable, it won’t always do a great job of eliminating all of the offending chemicals and bacteria.
Most will come with a carbon filter installed, and those will need to be changed regularly. If you’re just using it for drinking water, it’ll probably okay for just you. If you’re providing filtered water for your family and pets, though, you’d want to invest in the full under-sink options.
Remember not to fall for unverified claims or too-good-to-be-true options. If something isn’t endorsed by the EPA, or doesn’t have certificates you can check, then don’t invest.
7. Gravity Filter
If you want to go old-school and survivalist, and don’t want to rely on needing maintenance or electricity, go for a gravity filter. These can hold a lot of water although you need to fill them manually.
They sit on your countertop and are made of stainless steel, and they’ll use a carbon filter. These are great for removing lead, so along with the carbon filter, they’ll do a good job of keeping your water safe.
The cost ranges from $100 to $300.
8. Whole Household Filter
This is the boss of water filters, and although a hefty investment, it’s the best way to ensure your water is fully safe.
You install this where your main water line enters your house, and every tap and appliance will be supplied with this filtered water. That includes your hot water heater.
The styles are similar to everything discussed in this guide thus far: carbon, reverse osmosis, UV…the advanced technology for next-generation water filters can be included in your whole house filter.
Your least expensive option will likely be the carbon-based system, going for around $800 and can last 300k gallons before needing replacement.
RO house filters are more expensive, coming in at over $4,000 and needing a large water storage tank. These are also high maintenance but won’t require separate drinking water filters at your taps.
Whole-house filters are great for large families, with lots of kids and pets. Your water needs will be taken care of, for a long period of time. However, be prepared to do some serious research on which style to go with.
Water Filters: Keeping It Clean
You’re going to want to filter your water because it’s a worthwhile investment in your health.
This guide gives you some ideas as to which water filters are available, and what would be most practical and cost-effective for your needs. But if you need more information on what to choose and how to install it, let us know!
There are three main types of rafts: paddle boats, gear boats and oar/paddle combination rafts. Each craft has its specific uses. Paddle boats can carry the most people, require the least amount of rigging. Gear boats are best for transporting lots of equipment on multi-day trips. Oar/paddle combos and stern mounts can carry more people than a gear boat with greater acceleration while allowing a guide more control than with a paddle boat. All three types of whitewater boats have their advantages. This post will also look at other whitewater crafts including motor rafts, dories, inflatable kayaks, packrafts, catarafts, and hardshell kayaks. We also have a post on the different whitewater raft designs and materials.
1. Paddle Boats
Paddle Raft
The most popular inflatable raft for whitewater is a paddle boat. In a paddle raft everyone has a paddle with a guide in the back giving commands and steering. The most common paddle boat is a 14-foot raft with six paddlers and a guide. This type of raft is ideal for day trips on class III and IV water. The best paddle rafts are stiff so they don’t fold making it easy for people to hold their positions in the raft.
Historically paddle boats had two thwarts. However, the newer rafts with three thwarts making it easier for all 6 paddlers. The most dangerous place to sit in a paddle raft is the back which acts like a launching pad when rafts go over bigger drops. Many guides prefer oar rafts or oar/paddle combo rafts for the added control of not needing to rely on paddlers. Running a paddle raft well requires training your paddle crew.
Running Matterhorn on Goodwin Canyon this guide gets launched a bit.
2. R-2 (raft- 2 people)
R-2ing has increased in popularity over the years. R-2 stands for raft with two people. Most often the two paddlers will sit across from each other in the middle of the raft. Paddlers typically discuss where they want to take the raft rather than calling out commands. Since there is less weight in the boat it more maneuverable and less likely to flip off of rocks. Many of the people running hard technical class V rivers prefer R-2ing.
While R-2ing is attractive because of the ease of running rivers, it is also popular due to the ease of organizing and getting on the river. All one needs is a buddy and minimal rafting gear. Rigging at put-in is fast and gear doesn’t take much room in the car. This my favorite way to run a river.
3. Oar/paddle Combos (Stern Mounts)
As rivers increase in difficulty it’s helpful for the guide to have added control when steering the raft. This is more true on high-volume rivers where rafts need to be turned to face into large breaking diagonal waves. An oar/paddle combo raft takes the best of aspects rowing, the ability to easily turn the raft and combines it with the power and acceleration of a paddle boat. The biggest disadvantage is the oars can quickly become dangerous weapons when surfing in a hole or if they get caught on a rock. On rocky rivers guides have to ship their oars constantly making a paddle raft more functional in those moments.
Shipping oars in an oar/paddle combo (aka creek frame) on the Illinois
Sometimes oar/paddle combos are referred to as stern mounts. In this case the small frame is rigged on the stern of the raft. This works well on high water as it allows for a maximum number of paddlers to still ride in the raft. However, much like a paddle raft when going over drops this rig is known to launch guides causing injuries.
Stern mount with tractor seat
A creek frame (or day frame) is a small frame that is rigged on the flat part of the raft in front of the stern. This puts the guide in a more stable position so they are less likely to get thrown around. The disadvantage of this rig is that there is less space for paddlers. A 14-foot raft would have space for a maximum of 4 paddlers plus a guide. While a stern mount in a 14-foot raft would have space for 4 paddlers.
4. Gear Boat
In a gear boat the guide is most often seated on a cooler close to the center of the raft surrounded by a frame that can carry an extensive amount of gear. There is typically space for two to three people to sit in the front of the raft. Lounging in the front of a gear boat float through a canyon is one of the most enjoyable ways to travel.
Some gear boats will have the back of the raft completely full with gear. Others will have two more people sitting in the back of the boat. This can also be fun and a little more dangerous. The passengers in the back of the boat need to be watched because if they sit up high it is easy for them to get thrown. In addition, on rocky rivers when shipping oars guides have to be careful that if their oar catches a rock it doesn’t shoot back and hit the rider behind them.
5. Oar Boat
An oar boat is a type of gear boat without the gear. Instead it has a light center mount frame (though many times it is a little aft of center). Like an oar/paddle combo, the seat for an oar boat is usually a tractor seat or a slant board. An oar boat is usually light with just the rower and maybe a little bit of gear just for a day. These boats are nimble and great for rocky low volume runs. They are terrible in big water when they get knocked around by waves due to their lack of mass.
Oar raft with center mounted slant board
Other Types of Whitewater Craft
Inflatable rafts are the standard whitewater craft for commercial whitewater trips. However, plenty of other types of boats are used in whitewater. The most common are catarafts, motor rafts, dories, inflatable kayaks, and kayaks.
6. Catarafts
Catarafts are similar in use to rafts but have a few key differences due there being no inflated floor. Also called Cat Boats and Cats, catarafts can perform like sports cars or an unwieldy tanker depending upon how much weight is in it. The two tubes in the water create minimal drag but this also means less area for displacing weight.
Cataraft in Washer Woman on the Selway River
Light catarafts turn (particularly shorter ones with rocker) and accelerate quickly. Due to the minimal contact with the river it is much easier to punch through holes in a Cat Boat and they are more challenging to flip in hole due to the lack of a floor. However, light Cats flip easily when pushed up against a rock sideways.
Their are some disadvantages with catarafts. The lack of the inflated floor makes it challenging to take more than the rower and they are not comfortable for passengers. Unfortunately, heavier loads quickly push catarafts deep into the water. They draft so much water that they are incredibly stable but equally difficult to turn.
Safety Catarafts
One of the best uses of the cataraft is for downstream safety on high water rafting trips. Since the first boat is most exposed its ideal to have a minimum number of people in the boat in case it flips. It is also nice to have a craft that is extremely manuverable, stable and can carry 4 or 5 people for a short period of time and still help get another raft to shore. The safety cataraft can do all these things.
Safety Cataraft out front High Water Tuolumne
Overall, catarafts are a cheaper way to get on the river if you are looking to be by yourself in a boat. they are also lighter and easier to get to and from the river. Get the right amount of weight and they perform like a dream and are typically more forgiving than rafts.
7. Motor Rafts
These boats predominantly used on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. Due to high flow and the minimal number of rocks, these large inflatable rafts are able to negotiate the rapids use a small outboard motor. These boats are typically over 30 feet long and can carry almost 20 people.
Motor Rafting the Colorado River
8. Dories
The original commercial rafting trips were on dories and motor rigs. While the huge motor rigs go for the biggest waves on the river. The dories are the darting sports cars slicing between river features that could easily flip them.
Dories historically were made of wood. Guides have to be ever vigilant since what would be a bump of a rock with a raft can cause serious damage to a dory. Some dories are now made with aluminum to be a little more durable but more difficult to repair.
Dories sit on top of the water rocking back-and-forth and side-to-side going down the river. Unlike ocean going dories, whitewater dories have rocker (rise in the bow and stern) to make turning the boats easier. They are the most exciting ride of the larger river crafts.
Whitewater Dory
Types of Kayaks
9. Inflatable Kayaks
Inflatable kayaks (aka: Duckies) are pretty much miniature rafts designed for one to two people using kayak paddles. Duckies are smaller and sit lower to the water giving a more exciting ride. The inflated tubes make them fairly stable but they still flip easily in larger hydraulics.
10. Packrafts
Packrafts are basically extra light inflatable kayaks designed to be easy to carry into remote water ways. Like inflatable kayaks they can be fairly high performance. A fairly common upgrade on packrafts is to have a stow zipper on the boat which allows gear to be stored within the tubes. This improves performance by giving the raft a lower center of gravity and allows for significant carrying capacity.
11. Hardshell Kayaks
Generally referred to as kayaks. Hardshell kayaks are mainly made out of plastic and sometimes fiberglass. They are much more challenging to learn to use but they are also much more high performance much like the relationship between dories and rafts.
Whitewater kayaks typically have a skirt unlike inflatable kayaks so that they stay more maneuverable by not taking on water.
The benefits of water range from getting better skin to weight loss – and there are many other reasons why water is good for you below, along with tips on how to avoid dehydration.
How many litres of water should you drink a day?
The European Food Safety Authority says women should aim for 2 litres a day and men should have 2.5 litres of water a day.
However, it doesn’t all need to come from drinking water. Helen Bond, a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association, explains that “we get about 20% of fluid from the foods we eat, so it’s estimated that women need around 1.6 litres of fluid (about 6 x 250ml glasses) and men around 2 litres a day (about 8 x 250ml glasses).” This is only a guide, however, as “how much fluid we need varies according to our age, gender, levels of activity and the climate,” she says.
Dr Carrie Ruxton, dietitian for the Tea Advisory Panel adds: “Being pregnant adds an extra 300ml daily to water needs, while breastfeeding adds an extra 700ml per day.”
Carries agrees that you can hydrate via a range of sources: “As well as drinking water it can come from foods such as soup and yogurt, and hydrating drinks such as regular black tea, herbal teas, dairy milk, plant milks and zero calorie drinks,” she says.
One drink that won’t hydrate you and isn’t a substitute for drinking water is alcohol. This is because it is a mild diuretic and will dehydrate you.
How do we know if we’re drinking enough water?
‘I get my clients to check the colour of their urine to see if they are hydrated or not,’ says Nicola Shubrook, a registered nutritionist and founder of Urban Wellness. ‘You want to look for a very pale or light yellow – not completely clear as you may be drinking too much fluid – and be aware that certain supplements such as B vitamins, or foods like beetroot, may alter your urine colour.’
What are the benefits of drinking water?
Improves general mental and physical performance
Improves kidney health and helps prevent UTIs
Reduces fatigue
Helps improve gut function
Reduces risk of headaches
Aids aching joints
Improves brain function and mood
Boosts your emotional health
‘It’s so easy to overlook, but drinking well is just as important for good health as eating and living well,’ says Helen. ‘Water is essential for life, health and wellbeing – your body has water in every cell, tissue, and organ. It helps transport nutrients and oxygen to cells, regulates body temperature, and keeps the skin moisturised and healthy – as well as carrying out lots of other important jobs,’ she says.
Improves general mental and physical performance
Our bodies need water regularly – and little and often is best. ‘Even mild dehydration, which can be measured as a 1-2% loss on body weight, would have a negative impact on mental and physical performance,’ says Carrie.
Kidney health and warding off UTIs
Not drinking enough water can lead to sluggish kidneys and urinary tract infections. ‘Mild dehydration can can increase your risk of developing kidney stones and UTIs,’ says Helen.
Reduces fatigue
“With blood being 90% water, it helps to deliver oxygen around the body and may help reduce fatigue,” says Nicola. If you feel tired, try drinking a large glass of water to see if it perks you up.
Helps your gut function
Drinking water is an essential element of a healthy gut. “Because water removes waste products from the body, mild dehydration increases your risk of developing constipation,” says Helen. As a result, you may feel bloated. Conversely, drinking water can reduce bloating.
“There are lots of links with healthy digestion and drinking enough water,” says Nicola. “Water helps to ensure that the body is detoxifying and removing waste naturally and regularly. However, it’s best to sip water throughout the day, rather than glugging large glasses in one go – this is less likely to have you running to the toilet every five minutes!”
Reduces risk of headaches
When we have a headache it’s easy to reach for some painkillers when all we need is a large glass of water. “Mild hydration can increase the risk of headaches,” says Nicola.
Aids aching joints
If you find that your joints are aching, one of the reasons could be that you are dehydrated. Helen explains that this is because: “water lubricates and cushions joints.” So staying hydrated is key to feeling fit and healthy.
Improves brain function and mood
‘Water is needed by the body to produce hormones and neurotransmitters (brain chemicals), so mild dehydration can affect brain cognition and mood,’ says Nicola. ‘Even mild dehydration can can leave you feeling irritable,’ adds Helen.
Boosts your emotional health
Although regarded as nonsense by some, others are convinced that adding crystals to drinking water can boost our emotional and physical health. ‘There’s a tradition of using crystals in and around water, which goes back millennia, and there’s evidence to suggest that the frequency emitted by crystals (you have quartz in your watch and your mobile phone because it emits an electronic frequency) restructures the water molecules, improving oxygen levels and pH,’ explains Jude Polack, director of bewater reusable water bottles, which contain crystals thought to “unlock happiness, vitality and wellbeing”.
Does crystal-infused water have emotional benefits? (Credit: Bewater)
For example, bewater’s Glow water bottle ‘combines rose quartz, amethyst and green aventurine – crystals that are associated with relief from stress, promotion of sleep, healthy circulation and great skin,’ says Jude, while ‘carnelian improves motivation, and amethyst relieves stress and brings clarity,’ she says. Even if you don’t believe, your gorgeous water bottle will be the envy of all.
What are the benefits of drinking water for skin?
It’s touted as an integral part of our beauty routine, but how does water improve the largest organ in the body? ‘Our skin is a thirsty organ – it contains about 72% water,’ explains Helen. ‘Many beauty therapists and dermatologists regard good hydration as important to help keep the skin’s elasticity, softness, tone and appearance. So, as well as eating well, to keep your skin looking youthful, make sure you’re taking on board enough fluid. Opting for water means that you’re not adding sugar or calories to your daily diet, while maintaining good levels of hydration,’ she says.
‘A healthy fluid intake also balances oil levels in skin to avoid greasiness. And it ensures that the skin is adequately defended against sun and wind damage. You’ll still need your sun cream, though,’ adds Carrie. In fact, drinking enough water can even help skin conditions like cracked heels.
Alongside exercise and a calorie-controlled diet, drinking water may help with weight loss. (Credit: Getty)
What are the benefits of drinking water for weight loss?
While water doesn’t contain any magic fat-burning properties, it can be a useful aid in managing hunger and improving bodily functions that help us maintain a healthy weight. “People often confuse thirst for hunger and end up snacking on unnecessary calories instead of drinking,” says Carrie. “So, if you’re trying to lose weight, drink a glass of water if you’re feeling peckish,” she suggests.
You can also sip water while you eat. ‘Upping your fluid intake during mealtimes may encourage you to eat more slowly – this allows satiety cues to catch up,’ she says.
Although gulping down water is not a substitute for food or skipping meals, drinking fluid can take the edge off hunger. It can also help with sugar cravings. “When we are dehydrated it makes it harder for the body to metabolise stored energy (glycogen) and so we crave sugar in response to the need for energy,” Nicola explains.
Always start the day with a glass of water. (Credit: Getty)
Tips for avoiding dehydration
Helen also has some top tips. Here, she gives an easy-to-follow breakdown on how to incorporate more water into your day:
Start the day as you mean to go on. Water levels in the body are low first thing so have a refreshing drink and water-rich fruit (such as melon or oranges) with your morning meal.
Out of sight, out of mind. Always make an effort to refill your cup, glass or drinks bottle. You’re likely to drink more if you see a drink in front of you.
Prepare. Always keep a jug on your desk, a bottle in your bag or a glass by your side. Or fill a 1.5 litre bottle at the start of the day and make it your mission to empty the bottle.
Don’t rely on thirst. You don’t feel as thirsty when the weather is cold, so thirst may not be the most accurate indicator of the body’s fluid needs when the temperature drops. As long as you’re sipping regularly throughout the day, urinating frequently – and your urine is a pale, yellow colour like straw – then you’re drinking enough.
Drink on the move. Finding a healthy drink when you’re on the go isn’t always easy so carry a bottle with you. It doesn’t mean sticking to just water – make drinks tasty with low-sugar squashes or hot herbal teas.
Don’t forget, food counts. Fruits and vegetables contain a high percentage of water. For example, an apple is 86% water, bananas are 75% water, carrots are 88% water and cucumber is 97% water. Take advantage of colourful, seasonal produce that’s water-rich and packed with immune-supporting vitamins and minerals.
Stay hydrated while you exercise. This is because you lose more water through sweat. Follow the golden rule for hydration and drink plenty of fluids before, during and after exercise.
Take stock of your environment. Centrally heated homes and offices dry out the air and speed up the evaporation of sweat on the skin. This can increase our fluid needs, so drink more and at regular intervals.
The quality of water that we drink, wash our hair and body with, as well as that we use to clean fruits and veggies, has a huge effect on our health. Nowadays, to make sure that the water we use is clean, treatment facilities add chlorine to it, which can be damaging as it may contain harmful bacteria and chemicals that have a negative effect on our health and wellbeing.
Tap water passes through water treatment facilities, however, it can get easily contaminated the moment it leaves the treatment facilities. Therefore, the best way to make sure that the water you consume is clean and hasn’t been contaminated is by installing a water filtration system.
Installing a water filtration system will ensure that the water you drink is clean, free of contaminants, and safe to drink compared to those coming from water treatment plants without going through a home filtration system. There are many types of contaminants that can be found in water coming straight from these treatment facilities, including chlorine, lead, and fluoride.
However, you can avoid the consumption of all these toxins by installing a water filtration system in your house. That way, you and your loved ones will get your daily supply of drinking water without any health risks.
Healthy Skin
The team at wellnesswaterfiltrationsystems.com recommends that you seek the help of certified experts to assess the water in your house and help you get rid of all impurities and toxins it contains. An easy way you can validate that they are certified is by checking their website. That way, you will ensure that anyone in the house who has eczema or any other skin condition will not suffer from more damage to their skin.
Cutting Costs
Your plumbing system can get damaged by heavy metals and minerals that are found in unfiltered water. However, installing a water filtration system in your home will reduce plumbing repairs, which will result in reduced repair bills as well. Other than the pipes in your house, some home appliances can get damaged by unfiltered water, like the fridge, washing machine, and dishwasher. Repairing or replacing these appliances can cost you a lot of money! Therefore, to cut costs and reduce your monthly bills, you need a reliable home filtration system to protect your pipes and home appliances from damage.
Preserves the Environment
Drinking bottled water will add to the already huge amounts of plastic waste our planet is suffering from. Plastic is endangering the existence of many marine creatures, as it can take up to five hundred years to disintegrate! Installing a home filtration system is a huge contribution to saving the environment from more plastic waste. Although it might seem like a small contribution, it is absolutely not! The amount of plastic bottles produced and thrown away is way too much than our planet can take!
Fewer Scum Deposits
Washing your clothes with unfiltered water that comes straight from the treatment plants can leave deposits on them over time. Moreover, if you use them to wash your clothes and dishes, it increases the number of scum build-ups sticking on your belongings that cause allergies and skin rashes. On the other hand, using filtered water to clean the floor and wash your clothes and dishes will reduce the number of scum buildups and deposits sticking to them.
There is absolutely no reason to consume or use unfiltered water as it poses risk to everyone’s health. If you think about it, filtered water is safer to drink as the filtration system removes the contaminants and toxins that it might be carrying. Filtered water can help you have better skin as well and ensures that any skin condition doesn’t get worse. Moreover, using filtered water will reduce the use of disposable plastic bottles, which is a major contribution to saving our planet. If you think that installing a filtration system is expensive, you are mistaken, as it will reduce your plumbing bills and protect your home appliances from damage. Water is life, so you need to make sure that you and your family are drinking clean and pure water.
