Earth Gauge

Climate Number: 217 miles

kraus — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 20:54:21 +0000

Along America’s East Coast, blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) have traditionally been an important food source for larger species. They are also commercially farmed and even help improve water quality by filtering out pollutants as they feed. As recently as 50 years ago, blue mussels could be found as far south as the waters around Cape Hatteras, N.C. Yet, these species – like all species – have a thermal limit, meaning that once water and air temperatures reach certain levels, the animals die. Air and water temperature increases over the past 50 years along the Mid-Atlantic coast have pushed blue mussel populations farther north. At low-tide, the mussels are exposed to the open air. Multiple exposures to air temperatures of 89.6 degrees or greater kill the mussels and these types of conditions are now more common than they were 60 years ago. As temperatures have warmed, the mussels have retreated north. Now, intertidal blue mussels are not found south of Lewes, Del., indicating a northward shift in the southernmost extent of their range by about 217 miles.

For comparison: 217 miles is also about the same distance (as the crow flies) between Syracuse, N.Y. and Philadelphia, Pa.; Detroit, Mich. and Cincinnati, Ohio; or Los Angeles and Monterey, Calif.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall

Sources: Jones, SJ et al. “Rising environmental temperatures and biogeography: poleward range contraction of the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis L., in the western Atlantic.” Journal of Biogeography. Published Online 19 August 2010, DOI : 10.1111/j.1365-2699.2010.02386.x and Science Daily. “Too Hot to Handle: Impacts of Climate Change on Mussels.” 19 August 2010. Accessed Online 25 August 2010

Climate Number: 123 Petagrams of Carbon

kraus — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 20:53:04 +0000

Plants use the sun’s energy to turn carbon dioxide (CO2) in the air into the organic matter, or carbohydrates, that make up their bodies. This process, known as photosynthesis, ultimately feeds the rest of the food chain, with grazers eating the plants and carnivores and omnivores eating the grazers. How much carbon land plants take up each year, as well a how much carbon animals and fungi respirate back into the atmosphere, is important for understanding how much food, fiber and wood can be produced on a global scale. It is also important for predicting the future make-up of the atmosphere and climatic conditions. Estimates show that each year across Earth’s land surfaces, a total of around 123 petagrams (123,000,000,000,000,000 grams) of carbon are taken up by plants. Yet, about the same amount of carbon is respirated back into the air, in addition to the amount of fossilized carbon that goes into the atmosphere after being burnt in cars and power plants. The amount of carbon taken out of the atmosphere varies across the globe, with the Sahara Desert absorbing almost no carbon, while each square meter of the Amazon Rainforest absorbs an average of three kilograms (6.6 pounds) each year.

For comparison: U.S. wheat production is about 2.16 billion bushels per year, for a total weight (assuming 13 percent moisture content) of 58,800,000,000,000 grams (130 billion pounds). This is about 1/2092nd of the total amount of carbon that is taken up by land plants each year. For further comparison, 123 petagrams is about the same weight as a 1.3 million Nimitz Class aircraft carriers.

Seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Sources: Beer, C et al. “Terrestrial Gross Carbon Dioxide Uptake: Global Distribution and Covariation with Climate.” Science 329 (2010): 834-838 and Reich, PB. “The Carbon Dioxide Exchange.” Science 329 (2010): 774-775.

A Little Labor…

espinoza — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:39:08 +0000

Fixing leaks around the home doesn’t have to mean hard labor, just a little elbow grease. U.S. households waste up to one trillion gallons each year on easy-to-fix water leaks. Taking a few minutes over the approaching Labor Day weekend to fix leaks around your home could save enough water each year to fill a backyard swimming pool!

Viewer Tip: Give these easy fixes a try.

Fix a leaky toilet by replacing an old flapper.
Tighten a leaky showerhead with a wrench and pipe tape.
Check under sinks for pipe leaks.
Make sure your garden hose spigot connection is tight.

Want to do even more? Check out the U.S Environmental Protection Agency’s “I’m for Water” pledge. Visit epa.gov/watersense/wereforwater/index.html to learn more about simple, inexpensive steps you can take to save water around the house.

Season: Summer

This information is provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program. Learn more at www.epa.gov/watersense.

Robin Reed

posegate — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:11:54 +0000

Earth Gauge recently interviewed Robin Reed, chief meteorologist at WDBJ-TV in Roanoke, Virginia, about his role as Station Scientist.

How do you see the role of “Station Scientist” at your station, and how have you taken on that role?

[See post to watch Flash video]

How do you use Earth Gauge?

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What are some of the earth science, general science or environmental stories that you typically cover?

[See post to watch Flash video]

Do you notice increased response from the public when you cover science-related crises [such as the Gulf oil spill]?

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Are there any local resources (natural resources office, botanic garden, etc.) that you and your news team can use to cover science stories in your area?

[See post to watch Flash video]

Where do you use most of this information — on air, online, social networking?

[See post to watch Flash video]

What advice would you give for a broadcaster who has not yet embraced the Station Scientist role?

[See post to watch Flash video]

Live Fast, Die Young

espinoza — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:23:07 +0000

Have you ever wandered local beaches and found six-foot long seaweed? Did you wonder what it was? This seaweed is called bull kelp and is common to the Washington coast and Puget Sound. It grows on rocky shores and can form huge kelp forests that provide habitat for crabs, sea stars, juvenile salmon, rockfish and many other animals. Growing up to two feet per day, bull kelp is the fastest growing seaweed in the world, changing from a small spore into a 200-foot long kelp in just one summer! However, in the protected waters of Puget Sound, bull kelp typically reaches lengths of 30 feet. After reaching its maximum height at the end of summer, the kelp dies in the fall and begins a new growing season in the spring.

Viewer Tip: When out boating or walking the beaches this summer, be on the lookout for beds of bull kelp. The kelp beds will not only indicate areas of shallow water with rocks and reefs that should be avoided by boats, but they are also a great place to see resting shorebirds, herons, gulls, seals and other animals who take advantage of the refuge created by these kelp forests.

Season: Summer

(Sources: Washington Department of Ecology, http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/pugetsound/species/kelp.html; Whatcom County Marine Life Fact Sheet, http://www.whatcom-mrc.whatcomcounty.org/Fact_Sheets/bull_kelp.htm;
Monterey Bay Aquarium; http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/AnimalDetails.aspx?id=779433)

Climate Fact: Heat Waves

kraus — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:13:53 +0000

In Brief: Nights are warmer than they were in the early 1970s, which exacerbates the urban heat island effect and heat related health problems.

Heat waves – which in the United States kill up to 1,000 people per year – are defined as prolonged periods of abnormally hot weather. They can occur at any time of the year. What “abnormally hot” weather is will vary from place to place and from season to season, making a standard range of dangerous temperatures difficult to determine. What’s more, people become acclimated to seasonal temperatures. This means that sudden onsets of summer weather early in the year are generally much more dangerous than equivalent temperatures later in the summer. Some basic human physiological limits, however, can provide set temperatures that are dangerous. Heat index temperatures of 130 degrees Fahrenheit or higher are considered extremely dangerous, with heat stroke or sunstroke likely. Temperatures between 105 and 129 degrees are in the danger zone, when sunstroke, muscle cramps, and/or heat exhaustion likely. Heatstroke is possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity. When the heat index is between 90 and 105 degrees, extreme caution with the heat is recommended.

Because they are built with heat trapping materials like concrete and asphalt, cities tend to be hotter than surrounding rural areas. This is particularly true at night, when cool temperatures are important for giving the body a break from the heat. Urbanization, in addition to a general warming trend, means that extreme heat events are becoming more common. In North America over the last 50 years, average nighttime low temperatures have risen faster than average daytime high temperatures. There has been a 50 percent increase in the number of unusually warm nights, and nights with temperatures that would have fallen into the top tenth percentile during the 1950s now fall into the top fifteenth percentile. Almost all of this increase has happened since 1975.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall

Sources: Meisner, BN. “Heat Wave.” National Weather Service Southern Region Homepage. NOAA. 15 May 2000. Accessed Online 16 August 2010 and United States Climate Change Science Program. “Weather and Climate Extremes in a Changing Climate.” Synthesis Assessment Product 3.3: GPO. 2008 and American Red Cross. “Talking about Disaster: Guide for Standard Messages.” Available from: and Centers for Disease Control. “Tips for Preventing Heat Related Illness.” Accessed Online 16 August 2010

Climate Fact: Mammoths and Climate

kraus — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:11:51 +0000

In Brief: The extinction of the Wooly Mammoth from Alaska and the Yukon Territory around 13,800 years ago corresponds to the period of human arrival, the rapid expansion of shrub and tree cover and a 0.36 degree Fahrenheit regional warming.

At high-latitude locations, such as Alaska, Siberia and the Yukon Territory, lands dominated by grasses tend to be cooler than lands where shrubs and trees grow. Grasses are better able to withstand the long, harsh winters and high winds that characterize the far North. Grasses also reflect more sunlight than darker trees and shrubs meaning that once established, trees and shrubs actually make the surrounding environment warmer than it otherwise would have been by absorbing more sunlight. The warming makes more tree and shrub growth and further establishment of similar species more likely. This dynamic is known as a positive feedback cycle, where initial perturbations create conditions making more similar perturbations possible. As Earth came out of the last ice age (between 14,000 and 10,000 years ago) shrubs and trees moved into grasslands. This movement accelerated with the disappearance of large mammals, such as the Wooly Mammoth, from the high northern latitudes. The closest relatives of the mammoths – modern day elephants – consume almost everything vegetated that they can find. In Africa, a single elephant can devour or uproot 1,500 trees per year. This herbivory reduces the amount of trees and shrubs that can grow, keeping the land in a grassland or savannah state. In Alaska and the Yukon, the extinction of the Wooly Mammoth corresponded to the arrival of humans, who are known to have actively hunted mammoths. During a 1,000 year window around 13,800 years ago, trees and shrubs rapidly expanded, the Wooly Mammoth disappeared, humans arrived and the region warmed by 0.36 degrees Fahrenheit, with some locations warming by up to 1.6 degrees.

Seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Source: Doughty, CE et al. “Biophysical feedbacks between the Pleistocede megafauna extinction and climate: The first human-induced global warming?” Geophysical Research Letters 37 (2010): L15703.

School Days

espinoza — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 12:54:06 +0000

This is the time of year when many students head back to school. Did you know that up to 20 percent of weekday morning traffic is school-related? Living in areas with lots of traffic can prompt even more parents to drive children to school to ensure safety. Increased traffic and idling vehicles create air pollutants that can aggravate asthma and other respiratory conditions. Kids are more susceptible to health effects from poor air quality because their systems are not fully developed and because they spend more time engaged in high activity levels, which causes them to breathe more deeply.

Viewer Tip: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is already monitoring outdoor air quality at schools around the country to look for air pollutants of concern and devise ways to improve air quality near schools. If you drive your kids to school, you can help reduce traffic and improve air quality with these tips:

Avoid Idling. If you spend time waiting during drop-off and pick-up times, kill the engine. An idling car creates air pollutants…and gets zero miles per gallon.
Carpool. Team up with other parents in the neighborhood and take turns driving kids to school to cut down on morning traffic.
Walk or bike. If the weather is nice and school is nearby, encourage your kids to walk or bike to school. If you are concerned about safety, help kids map out a safe route to school and make the trip with them.

Seasons: Summer, Fall

(Sources: US EPA. Children’s Health Protection. “Designing Healthier Communities for Healthier Children.” http://yosemite.epa.gov/ochp/ochpweb.nsf/content/nphw2006.htm; International Walk to School, “Air Quality and the Environment,” http://www.walktoschool.org/why/environment.cfm)

Stormwater and Trees

espinoza — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 12:01:22 +0000

Earth Gauge Video is available for this tip.

Our urban and suburban development yields miles of paved roads and acres parking lots. Rain water runoff from these surfaces has now become a major source of water pollution in our rivers and streams. How can we slow down the flow? Trees are a big help. Their leaves and bark hold rain water. Tree roots help store water.

Viewer Tip: How much water does a tree capture? Check out The National Tree Benefit Calculator at www.treebenefits.com. Type in your zip code, the type of tree and the tree diameter. In urban areas, a single deciduous tree can intercept up to 750 gallons of storm water runoff per year. A mature evergreen can intercept up to 4,000 gallons! Depending on the type, trees can reduce rain water runoff by 15 to 35 percent. And of course, planting a tree helps add curb value to your home, too.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall

(Sources: Casey Trees and Davey Tree Expert, Co. National Tree Benefit Calculator.” www.treebenefits.com; PATrees.org, “Trees and Forests Reduce the Impacts of Stormwater,” http://www.patrees.org/trees-reduce-stormwater)

Leave it to Beavers

espinoza — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 18:57:03 +0000

Beavers are excellent builders: they are the only other animal besides humans that create their own wetlands! Beavers live in riparian areas – near the edges of streams. They build dams that stop the flow of water from small streams. Eventually, wetland plants move into the area, creating habitat for animals such as deer, birds and muskrats. In May, 2010 satellites captured an image of the largest known beaver dam in Canada’s Wood Buffalo National Park. The dam was 2,800 feet long!

Viewer Tip: Although beavers were hunted to near extinction for their fur during the late 1800s, healthy populations now live throughout North America. Beavers are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. Keep a lookout for beaver dams and lodges in your local wetlands. If you wait patiently nearby, you may hear a beaver slap its tail – a warning sign for other beavers to beware of predators. Beavers do not harm people; however, construction of their dams can alter streamside property. If you have beavers disrupting your land, contact your local or state environmental department to discuss relocating the animals.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Sources: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Education for Kids. Critter Corner: The Beaver, http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/eek/critter/mammal/beaver.htm. Globobio Glossopedia: American Beavers, http://www.globio.org/glossopedia/article.aspx?art_id=28&art_nm=American+Beaver.)

Bogged Down

espinoza — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 18:55:46 +0000

A bog is a type of wetland found mostly in the northern United States that prevents flooding by absorbing excess rainwater. Unlike other types of wetlands, bogs get all or most of their water from precipitation. They are created by the plants that grow within them. Sphagnum moss, also known as peat moss, forms a blanket on the bog floor. It retains a lot of water and creates acidic conditions that only itself and other specialized plants like cranberry and blueberry can grow in. Carnivorous plants such as the Venus flytrap and pitcher plants have adapted to bog life as well.

Viewer Tip: Bogs take hundreds or thousands of years to form, but can be destroyed quickly. Pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides applied to your lawn can make their way into nearby bogs and other wetlands. Consider reducing or eliminating your use of these products, and when you do use them, make sure to use no more than the prescribed amount. Avoid using these products before rainstorms – rain both reduces their effectiveness and makes it more likely that these products will wash into local wetlands. If you explore your local bog, take care not to disturb its plants.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Sources: EPA Office of Water, http://water.epa.gov/type/wetlands/bog.cfm.)

Savvy Seagrasses (Florida)

espinoza — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:33:19 +0000

Seagrasses are submerged flowering plants found in shallow waters along coasts. Fifty-eight species of seagrasses exist around the world, and six are found in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Florida waters contain the two largest seagrass beds in the continental United States: the Florida Keys and the Florida Big Bend regions. Seagrass beds hold coastal soil in place and reduce the severity of waves. They provide important habitat – food, water and shelter – for marine animals. Fish use seagrass beds as nurseries for their young and to hide from predators, while Florida manatees, bottlenose dolphins and green sea turtles find food there. Birds feed on the plants or on small animals that live between the grasses. Starfish, oysters and shrimp live in the bottom of the beds.

Viewer Tip: Like other green plants, seagrasses need sunlight in order to survive. When dirt and other pollutants are washed into coastal waters from rainstorms, they cloud the water, reducing the amount of sunlight that reach seagrasses. Dirt and soil from properties along the coast – as well as inland – can contribute to this problem. Stop pollutants from being carried away during the next rainstorm. If you own or rent property, plant shrubs and trees to create a buffer between your yard and nearby waterways. Seed and mulch any bare soil.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Source: U.S. Geological Survey. Seagrass Status and Trends in the Northern Gulf of Mexico: 1940–2002. http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2006/5287/)

Savvy Seagrasses (Gulf States)

espinoza — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:32:21 +0000

Seagrasses are submerged flowering plants found in shallow waters along coasts. Fifty-eight (58) species of seagrasses exist around the world, and six are found in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Seagrass beds hold coastal soil in place and reduce the severity of waves. They provide important habitat – food, water and shelter – for marine animals. Fish use seagrass beds as nurseries for their young and to hide from predators, while Florida manatees, bottlenose dolphins and green sea turtles find food there. Birds feed on the plants or on small animals that live between the grasses. Starfish, oysters and shrimp live in the bottom of the beds.

Viewer Tip: Like other green plants, seagrasses need sunlight in order to survive. When dirt and other pollutants are washed into coastal waters from rainstorms, they cloud the water, reducing the amount of sunlight that reaches seagrasses. Dirt and soil from properties along the coast – as well as inland – can contribute to this problem. Stop pollutants from being carried away during the next rainstorm. If you own or rent property, plant shrubs and trees to create a buffer between your yard and nearby waterways. Seed and mulch any bare soil.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Source: U.S. Geological Survey. Seagrass Status and Trends in the Northern Gulf of Mexico: 1940–2002. http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2006/5287/)

Reduce Runoff: Slow it Down, Spread it Out, Soak it In

espinoza — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:04:00 +0000

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Botanic Garden produced this 9-minute video, Reduce Runoff: Slow It Down, Spread It Out, Soak It In. The video highlights green techniques such as rain gardens, green roofs and rain barrels to help manage stormwater runoff. Learn more about protecting water quality.

[See post to watch Flash video]

Download the video file in flash format or mp4.

The Wonders of Wetlands (California)

espinoza — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:20:06 +0000

The United States contains about 40 million acres of coastal wetlands. Coastal wetlands such as salt marshes that provide critical habitat – food, water and shelter – for many species of fish, birds and other animals. Compared to other coastal states, Florida, Texas, California and Louisiana have lost the most coastal marshland. California alone has lost more than 91 percent of its coastal wetlands.

Viewer Tip: Over 50 percent of the nation’s population lives along coasts. Development that occurs on or nearby coastal wetlands can lead to loss of habitat, changes in water flow, polluted runoff and other impacts. Even if you live inland, what you do on your property could affect coastal wetlands.

Get in touch with your local environmental organizations, state agency or community group to see how you can participate in programs that protect wetlands.
Keep lawns and driveways free of pet waste, fertilizers and motor oil. These items can wash into storm drains, and could eventually reach a wetland.
Use native species when planting trees, shrubs, and flowers to preserve the ecological balance of local wetlands.
Use non-toxic products for household cleaning and lawn and garden care. Never spray lawn and garden chemicals outside on a windy day or on a day that it might rain and wash the chemicals into waterways.

Season: Spring

(Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Celebrate Coastal Wetlands…Connecting Us All!” http://www.epa.gov/wetlands/awm/pdf/coastal_final.pdf; “American Wetlands Month,” http://www.epa.gov/wetlands/awm)

The Wonders of Wetlands (Southeast)

espinoza — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:18:26 +0000

May is National Wetlands Month! The United States contains about 40 million acres of coastal wetlands, most of which are found in the Southeast. Coastal wetlands such as salt marshes that provide critical habitat – food, water and shelter – for many species of fish, birds and other animals. Compared to other coastal states, Florida, Texas, California and Louisiana have lost the most coastal marshland.

Get in touch with your local environmental organizations, state agency or community group to see how you can participate in programs that protect wetlands.
Keep lawns and driveways free of pet waste, fertilizers and motor oil. These items can wash into storm drains, and could eventually reach a wetland.
Use native species when planting trees, shrubs, and flowers to preserve the ecological balance of local wetlands.
Use non-toxic products for household cleaning and lawn and garden care. Never spray lawn and garden chemicals outside on a windy day or on a day that it might rain and wash the chemicals into waterways.

Season: Spring

The Wonders of Wetlands (Southeast)

• Get in touch with your local environmental organizations, state agency or community group to see how you can participate in programs that protect wetlands.

• Keep lawns and driveways free of pet waste, fertilizers and motor oil. These items can wash into storm drains, and could eventually

• Use native species when planting trees, shrubs, and flowers to preserve the ecological balance of local wetlands.

• Use non-toxic products for household cleaning and lawn and garden care. Never spray lawn and garden chemicals outside on a windy day or on a day that it might rain and wash the chemicals into waterways.

Wetland Woes

espinoza — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:15:48 +0000

May is American Wetlands Month! The United States contains about 40 million acres of coastal wetlands. Coastal wetlands such as salt marshes that provide critical habitat – food, water and shelter – for many species of fish, birds and other animals. From 1998 and 2004, nearly 60,000 acres of these coastal wetlands disappeared per year. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the Chesapeake Bay has lost 50 percent of its coastal marshes.

Get in touch with your local environmental organizations, state agency or community group to see how you can participate in programs that protect wetlands.
Keep lawns and driveways free of pet waste, fertilizers and motor oil. These items can wash into storm drains, and could eventually reach a wetland.
Use native species when planting trees, shrubs, and flowers to preserve the ecological balance of local wetlands.
Use non-toxic products for household cleaning and lawn and garden care. Never spray lawn and garden chemicals outside on a windy day or on a day when it might rain and wash the chemicals into waterways.

Season: Spring

Stop Soil Erosion

espinoza — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:47:19 +0000

In the United States, soil is eroding at roughly 17 times the rate it is formed! Soil erosion is a natural process where soil is moved by water or wind. Soil can impact water quality, reducing a stream or lake’s ability to store water and support plant growth.

Viewer Tip: You can prevent soil erosion at home with these tips.

Plant shrubs and trees to create a buffer between your property and any waterway (ditches, creeks, streams) to stabilize soil and filter pollutants from rain water.
Repair and stabilize any places where you see soil eroding.
Minimize the amount of time soil is exposed when doing landscape or construction. Use silt fences and other containment measures to reduce erosion on landscaping and construction sites.
Seed and mulch any bare soil.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall

(Sources: Science Daily, www.sciencedaily.com; Think Blue Maine, www.thinkbluemaine.org)

Cleaner Water

espinoza — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:43:06 +0000

Did you know that because of impervious surfaces like pavement and rooftops, a typical city block generates more than five times more runoff than a woodland area of the same size? Much of the land surface in urban and suburban areas is covered by buildings and pavements, which do not allow rain or snow melt to soak into the ground. Storm drains are relied upon to carry runoff from roofs and paved areas to local waterways. Pollutants such as dirt, oil and fertilizers are picked up along the way and can harm water quality. Low-impact development techniques can help to minimize storm water runoff.

Viewer Tip: You can help reduce storm water runoff in your neighborhood with these tips.

Create a shared driveways. This reduces the amount of paved surfaces in a neighborhood.
Disconnect your downspouts. This allows roof water to be redirected from paved surfaces and storm drains and into lawns and gardens. Some areas do not allow downspout disconnection, so contact your state’s Department of Natural Resources or Department of Environment for advice.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Sources: United States Environmental Protection Agency, www.epa.gov/owow; Portland Bureau of Environmental Services, www.portlandonline.com/bes/)

Water and Energy Conservation

espinoza — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:39:23 +0000

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average American family of four uses 400 gallons of water per day! Water conservation can start right at home. Diverting less water for municipal uses helps to preserve stream flow and maintain healthy aquatic environments.

Viewer Tip: Give these easy water conservation tips a try:

Place a sand or pebble filled plastic bottle in your toilet tank. Put an inch or two of sand in the bottom of the plastic bottle and then fill with water. Place the bottle in the tank, away from operating mechanisms.
Insulate your pipes with pre-slit foam pipe insulation. You’ll get hot water faster and avoiding wasting water while it heats up.
Rinse your razor in the sink. Fill the sink with a few inches of warm water instead of using running water.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Sources: United States Environmental Protection Agency, www.epa.gov; Earth Easy, www.eartheasy.com)