The basic definition of sustainability is to be able to use the resources that we have available to us today, while conserving enough for future generations. Currently we are not doing this with water. Many people think there is plenty of water on earth (we have 5 oceans don't we?) . However, not all of this water is usable. Humans can only drink fresh water, and while we do have the technology to convert this salt water into fresh water, this will use energy and release more harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This fresh water could potentially run out, and if this happens the consequences would be dire.
This problem is very large because it is hard to get everyone to reduce their water usage. People who live in poor, third world countries do not use as much water as we do in North America. If every household in North America reduced their water consumption to 2/3 of what it is now, that would be a hugely positive impact. The need for education about sustainable water practices is essential to this movement. If children are brought up to use less water, then they will continue to do so for their entire lives. Unfortunately, my generation will possibly have to deal with the consequences of wasting water. It is my hope that the people of my generation teach their kids water conserving habits so that maybe their generation won't have water shortages.
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