Water in Balance: Household Water Use Patterns and Wastage (Region X)

**Water in Balance: Decoding the Patterns and Wastage of Household Water Use** Lesther Jade B. Magsayo Jimenez National Comprehensive High School Jimenez, Misamis Occidental Region X October 2024 1. **Abstract** Water has always been one of life's most essential resources, necessary for hydr...

**Water in Balance: Decoding the Patterns and Wastage of Household Water Use** Lesther Jade B. Magsayo Jimenez National Comprehensive High School Jimenez, Misamis Occidental Region X October 2024 1. **Abstract** Water has always been one of life's most essential resources, necessary for hydration, cleaning, and sanitation. As civilizations developed, water became crucial for household activities such as cooking, bathing, and gardening. Today, the importance of water continues to grow, especially as the demand increases due to population growth and modern lifestyles. The overuse and wastage of water in households can lead to shortages, higher utility bills, and environmental problems, including strain on local water supplies. The researchers aimed to estimate how much water is wasted in households over the course of a year and to propose strategies for reducing this wastage. The study found that, on average, households waste between 30% and 40% of their daily water consumption. The model developed can be refined by considering the impact of more efficient appliances and behavior changes. The researchers also incorporated data from previous studies on water-saving technologies and conservation methods, demonstrating that significant reductions in household water consumption are achievable. 2. **Describe the real-world problem** Real World Problem: How much water is consumed daily in households, and how can this consumption be optimized? Since the beginning of time, water has been essential for life, sustaining our bodies, crops, and industries. Water is not just a basic need; it is vital for cooking, cleaning, bathing, and growing food. As society has evolved, the demand for water has increased dramatically, especially in urban areas where populations are expanding rapidly (Importance, n.d.). Research shows that access to clean water is linked to better health, economic development, and improved quality of life. However, many people around the world still struggle to obtain safe drinking water, and as the global population grows, this challenge is becoming more pressing. Water scarcity affects billions of people. According to the World Health Organization (n.d.), approximately 2 billion people live in water-stressed regions, where the demand for water exceeds supply. The increasing population, coupled with climate change, urbanization, and pollution, has placed immense pressure on our freshwater resources. As cities grow and more people move to urban areas, the demand for water rises, leading to increased competition for this vital resource (Why, n.d.). In many regions, traditional water sources are being depleted faster than they can be replenished, and some areas experience severe droughts, which can lead to food shortages and health crises. Human activities are significant contributors to water scarcity. Agricultural practices, industrial use, and inefficient household water management all contribute to excessive water consumption. For example, agriculture accounts for about 70% of global freshwater use, and poor irrigation techniques often lead to wasted water (Philippines, n.d.). Urban areas, where infrastructure may be outdated, can also experience water leaks and inefficient systems, resulting in significant water loss. According to the United Nations, nearly 40% of water is lost through leakages in city systems, which exacerbates the problem. The consequences of water scarcity are profound. It leads to desertification, which is the process of fertile land becoming desert, diminishing food production and increasing poverty (Effect, n.d.). It can also result in conflicts over water resources, as communities compete for dwindling supplies. Climate change further complicates these issues by altering rainfall patterns, making some areas wetter and others drier. Yan (n.d.) notes that in the Philippines, where water resources are limited, the country faces increasing challenges. In 2021, the country experienced severe droughts, affecting crop yields and increasing food prices. The alarming trend of water wastage in households is another aspect of this crisis. Many families use significantly more water than necessary, with studies showing that the average household may waste up to 30% of its water through inefficient practices (What, 2020). This includes habits like taking long showers, leaving taps running, and using water-intensive appliances without regard for efficiency. The loss of freshwater resources not only threatens human survival but also impacts ecosystems. Wetlands, rivers, and lakes are drying up, leading to the loss of biodiversity. Fish and other aquatic animals depend on these habitats for survival. As water levels drop, ecosystems struggle to adapt, resulting in declining populations of important species. Additionally, communities that rely on these ecosystems for food and livelihoods face increased hardship. Without urgent action, the balance of our natural world will be disrupted, leading to irreversible changes that can affect future generations. As water scarcity continues to grow as a critical global issue, understanding the factors contributing to this crisis is essential. The need to protect and conserve our water resources has never been more urgent, as the consequences of inaction could be devastating for both people and the environment. 3. **Mathematical Problem** How much water is wasted in households, and how can it be optimized? 4. **Mathematical Model** To calculate the daily water consumption, the formula below is used: DWC = WCR × N where: - DWC is the daily water consumption in liters. - WCR is the water consumption rate per person (liters/day). - N is the number of people in the household. To calculate the weekly water consumption, the formula below is used: W = DWC × 7days where: - W is the total water consumption for one week (liters). - DWC is the daily water consumption in liters. - 7 is the number of days in a week. To calculate the monthly water consumption, the formula below is used: M = W × d where: - M is the total water consumption for one month (liters). - W is the total water consumption for one week (liters). - d is the number of weeks in a month (approximately 4.33 weeks) To calculate the yearly water consumption, the formula below is used: Y=M1​+M2​+\...+M12​ where: - Y is the total water consumption for the year (liters). - M1​,M2​,\...,M12​ are the weights of water consumed in each month To calculate the amount of water wasted, we use the formula: Wasted Water = DWC − (OC × N) Where: - Wasted Water is the amount of water wasted per day (liters). - DWC is the total daily water consumption (liters). - OC is the optimal water consumption per person (usually 50 liters/day). - N is the number of people in the household. **4.1 Data Required** - **Daily Water Consumption (DWC)**: The total amount of water used by the household per day, measured in liters. - **Number of People (N)**: The total number of people living in the household. - **Optimal Water Consumption (OC)**: The recommended amount of water each person should use daily, which is typically 50 liters per person (as suggested by the World Health Organization). **4.2 Collecting Data** - **Household Water Meters**: Households can record their daily water consumption by reading their water meters over a one-week period and averaging the values to get daily water consumption (DWC). - **Research on Optimal Water Use**: The optimal water consumption per person (OC) is based on recommendations from sources like the World Health Organization, which suggests 50 liters per person per day for basic needs. - **Surveys**: Conduct surveys with households to gather information on water usage habits, such as frequency of bathing, laundry, and dishwashing, to help validate the model. **4.3 Situational Assumptions** - **Consistent Water Use**: It is assumed that water consumption remains relatively stable day to day, with only minor fluctuations. - **Uniform Water Needs**: It is assumed that all household members have similar water needs, using about 50 liters per day (WHO standard). - **No Major Water Leaks**: The model assumes that any water used beyond the optimal consumption is due to overuse rather than leaks or system issues. 5. **Summarization of Parameter Values** Table 1*. Summarization of Parameter Values* ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- **Parametric values** **Definitions** ----------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- **DWC** Daily Water Consumption (liters) **WCR** Water Consumption Rate per person (liters/day) **W** Water consumption for one week (liters) **M** Water consumption for one month (liters) **Y** Water consumption for one year (liters) **N** Number of people in the household **OC** Optimal Consumption per person (liters/day) **WASTED WATER** The amount of water wasted per day (liters) \ Weight of water utilized in the first, second, and subsequent months [*M*~1~, *M*~2~, \...]{.math.display}\ ***d*** Approximate number of weeks in a month (approximately 4.33) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6. **Months** **Weeks(d)** **Water Used (liters)** ------------ -------------- ------------------------- January 4 8,400 February 4 8,400 March 4 8,400 April 5 10,500 May 4 8,400 June 4 8,400 July 5 10,500 August 4 8,400 September 5 10,500 October 4 8,400 November 4 8,400 December 5 10,500 7. 8. **Interpret the Solution** In one week, a household of 4 people uses 2,100 liters of water, with each person consuming approximately 75 liters per day, adding up to 300 liters daily for the household. Over a month, this consumption ranges from 8,400 liters in a 4-week month to 10,500 liters in a 5-week month, covering essential activities like bathing, cooking, and cleaning. Annually, the total water consumption reaches 109,200 liters. This model clearly illustrates how daily water use accumulates over time, providing a useful tool for households to identify areas for potential water conservation. By following the mathematical formula and analyzing the results, the household can make informed decisions to reduce water wastage, which is applicable to similar cases in larger households or communities. 9. **Evaluate/Validate the Model** Firstly, it is important to verify the calculations to ensure that all necessary variables, such as household size and daily water consumption, have been correctly included in the solution. The arithmetic must be checked to avoid any computational errors, especially when summing up weekly, monthly, and yearly water usage. It is also worth noting that conversion between units (e.g., liters to gallons) might be necessary depending on local measurement standards. The model\'s ability to apply to various household sizes and water usage patterns can be tested by adjusting key variables. Its effectiveness can also be evaluated by analyzing the reduction in water wastage after applying different water-saving strategies, providing valuable insights through sensitivity testing. 10. **Refinement** The model can be refined by considering the impact of water-saving technologies. As an example for this problem, we have used information from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on water-efficient appliances such as low-flow faucets, showerheads, and dual-flush toilets. These devices have been shown to significantly reduce water consumption in households, sometimes by as much as 20-30%. Water scarcity is a growing concern worldwide. Population growth, urban expansion, and industrial demands are putting increasing pressure on water resources. According to the United Nations, by 2050, one in four people will be living in a country with chronic or recurring water shortages (UN Water, 2021). By installing water-efficient technologies, households can reduce unnecessary water consumption and play a role in mitigating water scarcity. In places like California, where water conservation is critical due to recurring droughts, the use of such appliances has helped reduce water use by millions of liters annually (California Water Boards, 2020). These data came from studies in areas with severe water stress. Consequently, by adopting water-saving technologies more widely, we can potentially save thousands of liters of water each day, easing the pressure on water supplies and improving overall efficiency. 11. **References** Admin. (2022, April 15). *Uses of water - Different uses of water like domestic uses of water etc*. 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