The document discusses water usage and efficiency. It notes that 80% of the Earth's surface is water but production of common items like beer and oranges requires significant water. Experts warn that water supply per person will drop by a third and millions may die without access to safe water. Water efficiency means saving resources through technologies and activities. Everyone must work together from individuals to governments to address growing water shortages. Solutions proposed include using low-flow shower heads, fixing leaks, collecting rainwater, and installing greywater recycling systems.

1. By Paul Boylan

2. The Reality.. 80% of the earths surface – water. Water cycle is one of constant renewal. 4L water to produce one bottle of beer. 500L water to produce 1 orange. 1,340,000 million L to produce on tonne of steel

3. What the experts say.. “ over the next two decades the average supply of water per person will drop by one third, possibly condemning millions of people to a premature death” (Nature Publishing Company) “ the worlds’ supply of fresh water is running out. Already 1 in 5 has no access to safe drinking water” (BBC News) “ 2 in 3 people will face water shortages by 2025. People will be forced from their homes to seek water” (UNESCO)

4. What is water Efficiency? The United States Environmental Protection Agency describes water efficiency as: “ the long-term ethic of saving water resources through the employment of water-saving technologies and activities.” Who is responsible for it? Each and every individual From top down

5. Worldwide water consumption up ten fold since 1900 By 2040 population up by 45% At present, 1 third of the worlds population facing water shortages and poor drinking water quality Why be Water Efficient?

6. The Evidence The Aral Sea - The 4 th biggest sea in-land will not exist in the next decade. The Colorado River - Since the year 2000, the rivers annual flow has fallen to as low as 25% of its level.

7. What can we do? At home: Use low flow rate shower heads which use up to 40% less water than traditional ones. Use a displacement device (such as a ‘hippo’ bag) in your cistern to decrease water wastage from toilet Fix any dripping taps, cisterns etc. Take shorter showers Don’t leave the tap on when brushing teeth or shaving

8. What can we do? In the Garden: Don’t cut grass as short as it will survive longer without water. Use a watering can fitted with a rose so as to disperse less water over larger areas. Collect rainwater using a water butt. This can then be used for watering plants etc. Re-use water in basin to water plants or wash car etc.

9. Water Efficiency in Construction Rainwater Harvesting: Diversion of foul water Foul flush system Design Features: No nests Trees Toxic

10. Water Efficiency in Construction Greywater recycling system: Grey water is wastewater from: washing machines, dishwashers, showers and baths. Separate internal drainage system must be fitted. Water stored in tank then Distributed via pump to feed cisterns and garden taps

11. Benefits of a Grey Water Recycling System There are many benefits to having a GWRS installed in your home, including; Lesser amount of fresh water usage Better treatment (topsoil is many times more effective than subsoil or treatment plant) Less energy used Groundwater recharge Plant growth Reclamation of otherwise wasted nutrients

12. Conclusion "Only after the last tree has been cut down. Only after the last river has been poisoned. Only after the last fish has been caught. Only then will you find that money cannot be eaten." -Cree Indian Prophecy­­-

13. Any questions?