1a: The source of water in Harrisburg, Pa comes from Clarks Creek, which is a 31.4-mile tributary creek of the Susquehanna river. DeHart Dam and reservoir collect water from Clarks creek, and is pulled into the Capital Region Water Center for processing. After the water is cleaned, tested and fit for human use, it is distributed to homes and businesses in the area using a system of underground channels. Water is used in the home for a variety of daily activities, and is disposed of through a drainage system that connects back to the city grid. The wastewater is then collected and combined with storm water from the city, where it goes to the Capital Region wastewater treatment facility. At the water treatment facility, the water goes through many processes to make it safe for the environment again. After all chemicals are removed from the wastewater, and it is sufficiently cleaned, the water is deposited back into the Susquehanna river.
1b:
| Showers | 1 | 15 | = 15 | gallons |
| Teeth Brushings | 3 | 0.1 | = 0.3 | gallons |
| Dish Washings | 1 | 8 | = 8 | gallons |
| Toilet Flushes | 5 | 3 | = 15 | gallons |
| Hand Washes | 5 | 0.5 | = 2.5 | gallons |
| Glasses Drank | 5 | 0.0625 | = 0.3125 | gallons |
| Total | 41.1125 | gallons |
1c: Before I began this activity, I established priorities for the most important uses of water with only 2 gallons. The most important uses were drinking and similarly, cooking. Personal cleanliness and showering is not a possibility with 2 gallons, other than a quick hand wash as needed. Strategies I used were trying to do things as quickly and efficiently as possible. Water I used to wash my hands could also be used to clean dishes. Another strategy I used to save water was turning off the water while I was brushing my teeth. At the end of the day, I failed in only using 2 gallons of water. This is due to flushing the toilet, and taking a quick shower after the gym. However, I realize I can use less water than in exercise 1-b by being fast and efficient when I’m using water. Geography determines the available and quality of water for human use. Many developed countries use more water than they have access to, and this is hurting developing nations. Reductions in daily water use by those in developed nations could have a huge impact on water availability in areas with dry climates, or overpopulated cities.
Hi Alex,
After seeing your chart of water usage I realized how much less I could be using. I think it’s amazing that you only use 41 gallons on a regular daily basis. I was shocked because in my chart I came up with an average gallons per day almost 4 times that of yours. However I think that most of mine is because I take two showers every day. Here is a link to mine if you’d like to see it. http://sites.psu.edu/geog30/2016/02/10/module-4-kevin-hosterman/
Hi Alex, I’m Natalie, I found your blog interesting because we are from close areas yet our water systems are so different. Mine is supplied from a lake and yours is from a river; because yours is from a flowing water source you can deposit it back in unlike mine. I also used a lot more water than you, probably because I took a longer shower. That seems to be the big water spender. Your use of the pie chart is a very affective visual that helps viewers to more clearly see the water usage amounts. If you want to check out my blog here is the link:http://geog030.dutton.psu.edu/2016/02/09/natalie-hall-m04/
Hi Alexandra! My name is Julie, and I am a sophomore at Penn State Worthington Scranton! I noticed that our water usages were basically in the same areas! However, you used a lot less water than I did because I ended up using 75.24 gallons in one day. The water system you described is similar to mine because ours comes from a dam (Elmhurst Dam) and a reservoir (Lake Scranton), too. The water is pulled into the Lake Scranton Plant where the water is cleaned and distributed to homes just like the system you described! Also, both of us realized that after we showered our two gallons were up! You make a good point when you state that developed countries (like the United States) use more water than they have or need. I think that countries like this should use environmental governance and rethink their “water” needs in order to conserve water. Here is a link to my blog!!: http://sites.psu.edu/geog30/2016/02/09/daily-water-usage-julie-cardillo/