Water conservation is getting a lot of press lately. Recent droughts in the Midwest, Texas and the severe drought in the state of California have brought much needed awareness that we mustn’t take our water for granted!

Fresh water makes up only 3% of the water on earth, and agriculture uses 70% of it. In the Barrington area, we are dependent on a shallow aquifer for our entire water supply. Being too far from Lake Michigan for practical access, over 35,000 people rely on the aquifer.

Since 1900, we’ve lost half the world’s wetlands which act as water repositories, and as we face more dramatic changes in weather and rainfall patterns, conserving the water we have becomes imperative. It is no surprise that Americans tend to overuse: the average African uses five gallons a day while the average American uses more than 100 gallons per day. In addition, a dangerously low water table can result in a contaminated water supply so that keeping it healthy is essential. We can affect the future by conserving today.

Some easy water-saving habits include turning off the faucet when you’re washing dishes, brushing your teeth or even showering. Lather or shave with the water off; then turn it back on as needed. Only run full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine, and when upgrading appliances, always choose energy-efficient models.

When cleaning a can or jar for recycling, fill it with a little water, then shake the can to clean it versus letting water run through it. A little water and scrubbing cleans just as well as a strong stream of water. Never hose sidewalks, driveways or wash your car at home. Fix any leaking faucets, and make sure your hoses and outdoor water equipment are in top shape.

The most significant contribution you can make to conserving our precious water is to convert some or all of your water-thirsty lawn to native plants, including native ground covers. Many native plants thrive in drought conditions and can literally help put water back into our aquifer. Concrete streets, driveways and traditional lawns cause water runoff and only contribute to the problem. Rain gardens, on the other hand, use native plants that have roots that run deep into the ground allowing water to seep down and infiltrate the soil. They are nature’s way of helping to keep our water table in balance — not to mention that it is easier caring for native plants than for non-natives!

Water conservation is here to stay, so think when you use and help to ensure a healthy aquifer in our beautiful Barrington area.