What is water ethics? Water ethics tells us that we are responsible for the existence of water. We are the ones who manage the water that surrounds us on a daily basis. Whether we value water or not, it still represents an important part of the survival of our planet. We must first explain the purpose and importance of water. Why is this so important? Healthy, healthy water contains nutrients and minerals that are beneficial to the human body. Our body depends on water to maintain proper body temperature and provide us with these nutrients and minerals. Our environment also has a crying need for water. Wetlands keep rivers and groundwater systems healthy and play an important role in reducing the severity of flooding and act as a sink for greenhouse gases. Wild animals need water to survive. They need water as much as we do. In the United States we overuse water because we are never deprived of it, but what we fail to realize is that water is a scarce resource and it is clear that humanity is facing a critical water crisis. More than 2 billion people are affected by water shortages in more than 40 countries. As the population continues to increase, the situation will only get worse. The resources we have are heavily polluted by human and industrial waste and have economic consequences. Many large lakes and rivers are severely polluted and half of the world's wetlands are disappearing. Water-borne diseases are one of the leading causes of death, as 7 million people do not have access to pure, clean water. We need to conserve as much water as possible because thousands of people around the world are dying from dehydration, which is actually a major cause of disease worldwide. My community is...... middle of paper... ...we all help conserve water, then we can make a huge difference to the environment. About 75 percent of Tampa Bay's water is used inland. Indoor activities such as flushing toilets, taking a shower, using the washing machine, and running faucets are major contributors to Tampa Bay's water waste. Some solutions would include turning off faucets while you brush your teeth or wash dishes and limiting your showers to five minutes instead of 20. Outdoor alternatives may include checking sprinklers and faucets for leaks, if you use garden hoses, install a shut-off nozzle that will adjust. flow where water is needed and water your lawn of course but only when there are signs of wilting. Overall, we need to conserve as much water as possible to ensure pure, clean water for many years to come. Let's recycle and take care of our water ethics in Tampa Bay!