Student Tribune
Green Tip: Water, water, everywhere...
In “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by Coleridge, the crew is
surrounded by undrinkable salt water. While we have potable water, did you know
that Monroe County as part of the Great Lakes Drought Region in NYS is
currently in an official Drought Watch (11/25/2020)?
The drought watch is triggered by the State Drought Index, which compares four
parameters to historic or "normal" values to evaluate drought
conditions: stream flows, precipitation, lake and reservoir storage levels, and
groundwater levels. The least severe of the stages, a drought watch is
declared when a drought is developing. Public water suppliers begin to conserve
water and urge customers to reduce water use.
How can you reduce water use?
The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has easy water saving tips that
anyone can do!
- Turn off the faucet while shaving, brushing teeth, and washing
dishes.
The average person uses 10.9 gallons of water from the faucet a
day.
- Fix dripping and leaking faucets and toilets.
A leaky faucet can waste 54 gallons of water a month!
- Don't run the tap to make water cold.
Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator for drinking.
- Don’t use the toilet for waste like tissues or gum.
You'll save up to 6 gallons of water each time you don't flush
unnecessarily.
- Wash only full loads of dishes and laundry.
The average dishwasher uses 8-12 gallons whether or not it's a full
load.
- Take shorter showers or fill the bathtub only part way.
The average person uses 15 gallons a day in bathing and
hygiene.
Penwarden, Ann
Sustainability Steering Committee’s Recycling Committee
01/12/2021