Here at Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, we protect the land that protects the water. Even though we are nestled on Chautauqua Lake, as a land trust, the lake is not our number one focus. There are so many ponds, creeks, streams, and rivers in our county. Not to mention that the Great Lakes hold 21% of the world’s fresh water, and we happen to be right on the border of one of those lakes. But not all people in America are as lucky to be surrounded by such an abundance of water.
Water is a precious resource. Americans use approximately 82 gallons of water at home, and 322 billion gallons of water are used for public consumption every day. Because humans are depleting the underground water supplies, the United Nations predicts a global shortfall of water by 2030. About 30 percent of the planet’s available freshwater are aquifers under each continent, and they are rapidly declining across the globe at accelerating rates. In America, 60 percent of our public water supply comes from surface water, and 40 percent of our public drinking water supply comes from aquifers. A three-year assessment, which is the largest assessment to date, analyzed groundwater levels around the world and found an alarming fact. Spanning nearly 1,700 aquifers, 300 million water level measurements from 1.5 million wells, and data from the past 100 years, researchers from the University of California revealed that groundwater is drastically dropping in 71% of aquifers around the world.
Moreover, our southwestern states are facing a crucial moment – having to re-negotiate their hundred-year plus water agreement. This crisis is unprecedented due to the population growth that has put a perpetual stressor on all the lakes, streams, and rivers that provide Los Angeles, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and all other smaller cities in that region with water. The Southwest's population rose from 13,598,000 in 1958 to 44,102,840 in 2023, for a gain of 30,504,840 people, or a 224.33% growth. There is not even close to enough water to sustain the populations that live there. They are currently in the difficult situation of having to figure out where they are going to provide drinking water for the 44 million people that live there.
There have been some studies that show humans can help turn things around with deliberate, concentrated efforts – such as the U.N. holding its 2023 Water Conference (the first in almost 50 years), where the international community started mapping out a future that works for everyone and that gets them thinking about water as a global common good. We must recognize that all our key environmental challenges are connected to water and link directly to climate change and biodiversity loss. Thinking about water in this way will allow us all to mobilize collective action and design new rules that put equity and justice at the center.
There are many things you can do on the smaller scale as well to help play a significant role in addressing the water crisis. Here are some effective ways you can help:
Conserve Water: Simple habits like turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, fixing leaks, and using water-efficient appliances can save a lot of water.
Rainwater Harvesting: Collecting and storing rainwater for later use can reduce the demand on freshwater sources.
Reuse and Recycle Water: Treating and reusing water for watering plants can significantly reduce freshwater consumption. For example, put a bucket in the shower to collect the water that runs down the drain as the water heats up, then use the collected water for your plants.
Protect Natural Water Sources: Preserving wetlands, rivers, and lakes helps maintain the natural water cycle and ensures clean water availability.
Adopt Climate-Smart Gardening: Techniques like drip irrigation and native plants can help conserve water.
Mulch and Mow to 3” and Keep Leaves on Yards: Mulching provides moisture retention. Mowing to no less than 3” means longer roots and a greater ability to withstand drought. Fallen leaves improve the surface water quality in your yard.
Every small action counts, and together we can make a significant impact on mitigating the water crisis.
Article and photo by Bethany O'Hagan, Land Specialist
EDITED 9/26/24: The original post stated that the headwaters of the Mississippi River were in Chautauqua County. For clarification, the headwaters of the main stem of the Mississippi River begin at Lake Itasca in Minnesota. The waters here are the northeastern-most headwaters of the Mississippi River drainage in the eastern U.S.
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