Rylie Bowman.pdf

Today I will talk to you about how to save water supply and how to stop climate change. This will help the atmosphere and the people around you. Conserving water and making the city you live in resilient to climate change will help make a better world. Not only should you encourage your local city to improve infrastructure, but you can follow steps at home to help combat climate change. Water is the most essential element for the preservation of life. Here in Atlanta, the city has been investing in green infrastructure since 2009. The city has updated its plan and hopes to install enough green infrastructure to reduce polluted runoff from entering streams by 225 million gallons. The programs that the city has enacted have helped reduce combined sewer overflows and flooding. The city has improved surface water quality by reducing erosion, sediment, and concentrations of pollutants in stormwater. The Department in Atlanta has reduced more than 1 billion gallons of stormwater every year through the production of private and public green infrastructure projects. These projects have contributed to groundwater recharge, resilience to climate change and reduced city flooding. The added green infrastructure has supported 2,000 acres of greenspace, which supports native habitats and improves air quality. Not only is it important for the city to do their part, but you as well. There are many small steps that you can take to help reduce water waste around your home. One big way that everyone can reduce water is by taking shorter showers or by installing shower heads that reduce water flow. Another simple change is to make sure you only wash dishes or clothes with a full load. Make sure to check all appliances, toilets, and faucets for sneaky leaks. Not only can a leak waste valuable water but it is costly as well. Many people want to water their plants, an effective way to conserve water would be to collect rainwater or to retain water you cooked with. Another way to reduce outdoor water consumption would be to plant drought tolerant plants in your yard. If you must use an irrigation system, make sure to keep it updated and use low flow sprinklers. As you see, there are many ways Atlanta, and you, can help reserve water and combat climate change. The city has been working on improving infrastructure to help become water resilient. It takes a little effort and planning but by making minor changes we can help reduce our water consumption.