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"H2-Oh No! Who's complaining about too much rain?

Talk about Seattle and people (mostly the ones not from here) will ask if it really rains all the time. We'll let you be the judge of that, but we are fortunate to have the rain and water supplies unlike other parts of the country or world.

 

Water is essential for life, yet many regions around the world face severe water shortages and droughts. These issues impact not only the environment but also the health and well-being of communities. Let's explore the water crisis and drought, and discover practical actions families can take to help.

The Water Crisis: Facts and Figures

  1. Global Water Scarcity: According to Water.org, 2.2 billion people lack access to safe water, and 3.5 billion people lack access to a safe toilet1. This scarcity affects health, education, and economic stability.

  2. Drought in the U.S.: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that drought occurs somewhere in the United States every year. Increasing population and climate change are putting greater pressure on water resources2.

     

  3. Water Scarcity: In the United States, around 30 million people live in areas where the surface water supply struggles to meet demand. This issue is particularly severe in regions like the Southern and Central High Plains, Texas, and the Southwest Desert5. 

Actions Families Can Take

  1. Fix Leaks: A single leaky faucet can waste thousands of gallons of water per year. Regularly check and repair leaks in your home to conserve water4.

     

  2. Use Water-Efficient Fixtures: Install low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets. Look for products with the WaterSense label, which are designed to save water and energy3.

     

  3. Practice Smart Watering: Water your garden early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation. Use drought-resistant plants and mulch to retain moisture in the soil4.

     

  4. Reuse Water: Collect rainwater for gardening and use greywater (from sinks, showers, and laundry) for non-potable purposes like flushing toilets3.

  5. Educate and Involve Your Family: Teach children about the importance of water conservation. Make it a family activity to monitor water usage and find new ways to save water together4.

Conclusion

The water crisis and drought are pressing issues that require collective action. By making small changes in our daily lives, we can contribute to a more sustainable future. Every drop counts, and together, we can make a difference.

 

 

bonus tip

Get a rain barrel at a huge discount and start collecting rainwater to water your plants. The city of Sammamish and Issaquah hold their next recycling event on April 27th. All rain barrels, compost bins, and worm bins are $30 each. More information about the event here: City of Sammamish April 2025 recycling event.

 

Sources: 

1 https://water.org/our-impact/water-crisis/

2 https://www.epa.gov/climate-change-water-sector/drought-and-water-scarcity-initiatives

3 https://www.epa.gov/water-research/drought-resilience-and-water-conservation

4 https://thewaterproject.org/community/2025/02/27/water-conservation-how-everyone-can-fight-the-water-crisis/

5 Map Shows Water Supply for 30 Million Americans at Risk - Newsweek