Water scarcity is happening around the world, and the United States is not an exception. Specific changes in the climates are threatening the levels of a few of the significant bodies of water in the country, thus causing the water bills to shoot up aggressively. Aside from the effects of climate change, another reason people are experiencing high water bills is the aging infrastructure as well as the declining population. Experts say that if the water scarcity continues to climb, almost 36 percent of every household in the country will no longer have the capacity to cover their water bills by 2022.
The severity of the water crisis in the country
By 2030, almost half of the population in the world will experience huge problems with water access. The Americans who live below the poverty line will suffer the worst of its effects. Households in New Orleans are now paying an average of $1,000 for water service alone, which is at least 9 percent of their earnings every month.
Effects of water scarcity
One of the best ways to understand the severity of water scarcity is to know a few of its effects as well as its consequences. More impoverished communities who already lack access to water systems will have more significant problems. More areas will also experience fire hazards as well as polluted river beds. If this continues, it will also affect every living creature around it. Extensive pollution also affects glaciers by indirectly causing them to melt. As a result, this melting of glaciers contributes to the rise of sea level and temperatures.
What you can do
Problems as huge as water scarcity often makes people feel powerless about the situation. But there are so many things that you can do to help ease the problem. You can start by spreading awareness about the water crisis. If you have an idea and thoroughly understand the problem, then you are in a better position to speak about it. You can try chatting with your loved ones and let them know about the water shortage that is going on. You can also search for news and facts that can help support your claim.
Another way is to take part in activities that aim to preserve and protect the natural resources in your area. You can speak to your parents about helping a charity that aims to provide water to areas that do not have access to it. Another way to do it is by using water wisely. There are so many ways to get water aside from relying on the water system. You can have a rain gutter installation in Salt Lake City to help collect rainwater from the roofs.
You can also come up with other ways to manage the current water shortage in your area. The important thing is that you have the initiative to do your part in alleviating the effects of water scarcity. Although it may seem small, educating your loved ones about it can do wonders for water conservation.