Discovering my water footprint has been impressive. As someone from Ecuador, I utilized the “Personal Water Footprint Calculator” from WaterFootPrint.org, revealing a result of 3760.4 m3. However, obtaining this data required delving into the water sources of my city and the ongoing issues we face. In 2018, a well-known newspaper in spanish reported that “One thousand liters per second is the normal distribution of drinking water for Santo Domingo; however, depending on the season, that number varies. This summer, there was a deficit of between 10 and 15%, and although the rains have already started”. This situation necessitated the utilization of additional rivers to meet the demand (Diario La Hora, 2018).
Understanding these issues and my personal impact, I came across valuable suggestions. As stated, “Understanding the total contributions to your water footprint is the first step to creating a culture of conservation and protecting water on a larger scale” (Athens-Clarke County, n.d.). This insight has prompted me to set new goals, such as purchasing fruits and vegetables from local producers instead of the market, minimizing transportation usage by opting to walk when feasible, and conserving electricity due to our reliance on hydroelectric power. Implementing these changes is not just about personal improvement but also about positively impacting the world for future generations.
References
Diario La Hora. (2018, November 28). Se analizan otros ríos para captación de agua en Santo Domingo. https://www.lahora.com.ec/noticias/se-analizan-otros-rios-para-captacion-de-agua-en-santo-domingo/
Athens-Clarke County. (n.d.). What is Your Water Footprint? Athens-Clarke County, GA – Official Website. Retrieved February 22, 2024, from https://www.accgov.com/4960/Water-Footprint