What is the consequence if we...?

Question

a) continue to increase our use of water?

and b) decrease the use of water?

Answer 1

Your question is kind of vague.  Do you mean using water in our houses, or using it in industry?  People are saying these days that there is going to be a water shortage very soon.  I am not sure how they are coming up with this.  Arrid regions like the Southwest are already under tight water restrictions because so many people have moved there.  I live in the Northwest and it rains a lot, average 36 inches a year and last year it was over 50 inches.  My main concern is the freinds and family I have who live in the flood plains in the South Puget sound area.  They are more likely to suffer from an excess of water rather than a shortage.

To give you a bottom line, it is never a good idea to waste things, but water is a renewable resource,  The biggest concern is probably keeping it clean.  We do need to keep doing better on containing pollution and contaminates but that can go overboard as well.  King county passed a law that you cannot graze an animal like a horse or cow near a stream.  Many folks had to fence the streams out of their pastures. That is just insane.  People should be able to use their land.   Just try to strike a good balance.

Answer 2

well if we keep useing our water and wasting it it will run out and we wont have the water

Answer 3

Since water is an inexhaustible resource, we certainly will not run out of it.  However in regions that depend on rainfall for water supply, it is better to conserve water.  So increased use will dry out the storage tanks, increase pumping costs(thereby increasing electrical costs) and cleanup costs(sewage/sludge processing).

Decreased use of water is a health hazard.  I mean we need to at least wash hands, dishes, take a shower and flush toilets at a minimum.  So, I guess, we have to strike and optimum somewhere.

Countries that depend purely on rain for water supplies can resort to well water as a potential source and rain water harvesting to take care of their water supply.