Water Is a Precious Resource

Earth is known as the “Blue Planet” since from space one can see it is about 71% covered with water. However, about 99% of that water is either ocean salt water or saline water. Less than 1% is freshwater and much of that freshwater is trapped in glaciers or underground where it is inaccessible. About 50% of the available freshwater stays in rivers for nature. The other half of the 1% freshwater is for human consumption.

To put all those numbers in perspective*, imagine a five-gallon bucket of water. Of that five-gallon, only ONE DROP is freshwater that is available for human use and most of that goes to agriculture to put food on our tables, which does not leave much for our homes and gardens!

California is no stranger to drought. It is a recurring feature of our Mediterranean climate but due to climate change drought is expected to happen more frequently and with longer, more extreme. Which will lead to years when we have even less available freshwater. So, we must learn to incorporate water sustainability into our everyday lives.

Learn About Water Sustainability in Our Gardens

During the month of May, the Stanislaus County UC Master Gardeners will be giving talks on Waterwise Landscaping at county libraries. Some ways to conserve water include changing from sprinklers to drip irrigation, reducing lawns, and using the right plant in the right place. Even small changes can lead to meaningful water savings. Master Gardeners will be discussing these methods, as well as how soil types determine how much water to apply, the value of mulching, how to reduce water runoff, hydrozones, and suggestions for attractive waterwise plants that grow well in our area.

With water being such a precious resource, we must make the most of every drop. We hope to see you at a local library for one of our classes. Come and learn water conservation methods you can incorporate in your garden.

*visit our YouTube Channel to watch a hands on demonstration of Denise explaining how much fresh water exists on our planet. Teachers, the video is 2 1/2 minutes long, so feel free to use in your classrooms!