Journal week 8

I live in Seattle and use Seattle Public Utilities to attain clean water. Yet 
Public water systems contain more than one connection. The public systems are managed by homeowners, private non-profit organizations, corporations such as homeowners' associations, private, for-profit companies and municipalities such as cities and water districts. My wastewater goes out into the septic tanks where it is treated in the drain field in Bothell,WA. When it is cleaned and treated it begins its process into the larger water areas. Because we as humans have such advanced technology and sciences we are able to cut corners and conserve water. There are things like conservation kits that can help prevent or stop leaks in water outlets that will allow the saving of unnecessary water. I can do things like shorten my showers, wait longer to wash my clothes or only use the exact water amount to cook with.
I certainly try to conserve water as much as possible for environmental reasons as well as financial. I must admit though I do definitely take part in the pollution of water in indirect ways that still have great effects. I myself produce waste and wastewater that must be cleaned and filtered then sent back into rivers and streams. If this water is not clean it could damage and infect the water with pollutants. I also indirectly contribute to pollution by consuming certain goods like coal or jewels that are mined from the ground and where the water is polluted.
This section on water ties in with our class lectures and how we are learning about the complexities of this vital substance. As we are seeing there are many effects coming about that greatly impact water and must be addressed. People as usual, are greatly taking advantage of this material and are pumping it out in mass quantities of certain areas. This can lead to the depletion of ground water, which is important, and therefore land subsidence. There is also another effect that is called saltwater intrusion that is polluting the fresh water needed by humans.
I wish that instead of taking advantage of everything the Earth has to offer, humans could embrace and respect the materials and use them according to their availability. Then maybe things wouldn’t be so off balanced and the world would not he in the state it is right now. I also find it ironic that with so much if the Earth’s surface water we still have major issues not having enough. When will we begin relying on ocean water? Maybe never?