Beaver Brook in Sharon

 

 Conserving water

Using water more efficiently can significantly reduce adverse environmental impacts. Excessive pumping of water for human use depletes rivers, tributary streams, ponds and wetland areas. It also jeopardizes municipal and residential water supplies, particularly in summer when people demand more water at the very time it is the scarcest.

Outdoor water use, especially lawn irrigation, is particularly harmful because it occurs in summer when streams and rivers are most stressed. There is vast potential for reducing water use, and saving money in the process. New drought-tolerant grass can virtually eliminate the need for lawn irrigation.

Efficiency is important for indoor water use too. Modern, water-efficient plumbing fixtures and appliances can cut indoor water use almost in half.

Water conservation is good public policy. Saving water conserves energy, creates green jobs, and reduces the cost of water supply. It also helps restore our beleaguered rivers, streams and wetlands, contributing to Massachusetts' economic vitality by making our commonwealth a nicer place to live and visit.