Over the last several years we have heard a lot about water. Why all the fuss? Don’t we live on a planet where 71% of the surface is covered by water?

Let’s look at this step by step: The planet is, indeed, almost entirely covered by water, so much water that we should call it Ocean instead of Earth. However, even though there is this great abundance of water, only 3% of it is drinkable (which means that the rest is salty water that is not fit for consumption.) But that’s not all. Of this 3%, some 2.997% is frozen in glaciers or is so deep within the earth that it’s practically inaccessible!

All of this means that only 0.003% of the planet’s water is available FOR ALL HUMAN USES.

Fresh water is a vital resource for agriculture, industry, transportation and an infinite number of other activities. It remodels the surface of the earth, moderates the climate and dilutes pollutants.

Water has many unique, even magical, properties. It requires very high temperatures to boil and very low ones to freeze; thanks to that property, it stays in a liquid state almost all the time. It helps living beings to resist brusque changes in temperature and, through evaporation, distributes heat on the planet and acts as an excellent refrigerator.

Water can dissolve a great variety of elements. Thanks to this property, it can carry nutrients through living tissue, eliminate waste generated by these tissues, act as a multipurpose cleaning agent, and dilute or remove soluble waste in civilization’s water.

Here are some tips on saving both water and money. This way, we can ALL cooperate so that future generations will continue to have this precious liquid:

* In toilets, you can reduce the water you need every time you flush without having to buy a new water-saving commode. Simply place a plastic container with some rocks in it (to keep it down) in the tank. The area it covers will be the amount of water you save each time you use the toilet.
* Remember that the toilet is not a wastepaper basket. Paper, sanitary napkins, cigarettes and other waste should be thrown in the wastepaper basket. This way you help the water recycling process.
* You should regularly check for any water leaks. Most local water companies have excellent services—often free--that help you detect leaks.
* Don’t leave the water running while brushing your teeth, shaving, washing your hands or doing the dishes.
* If you use a washing machine, wait until you have enough clothes for a full load so as not to waste water.
* When bathing, use the washbasin to get the hot water running. Catch the water in a container and use it to afterward to brush your teeth or wash your hands.
* Wash your car with a bucket of water instead of the hose.
* Try to use biodegradable detergent and soap. This will help the water recycling process.
* Water your plants at night. Plants can make better use of the water at night and it doesn’t evaporate with the heat of the sun. If you use plants that are native to the region to landscape your garden, you will only have to water them during the dry season.
* Don’t dump used oil in the sink. This common practice contaminates thousands of gallons of water that CAN’T be recycled.
As you can see, saving water is easy. You CAN make a difference.

We are making a difference at XCARET, too. ALL the water used in the park is recycled in our own water treatment plants. We only us biodegradable soap in the washrooms and all our cleaning products are biodegradable. This way we save water ad protect the water tables, our beaches and rivers.

We invite you to join the world’s efforts to save water.
Remember that one of the principles of sustainable development is thinking globally and acting locally, which means that if each and every one of us does our part at home, at work and in our communities, the whole planet benefits.