1A:

My hometown is Doylestown, Pennsylvania, where the township municipal services operates three public water systems. It includes 46 miles of distribution mains where ground water is pumped through thirteen wells. According to these services, approximately one million gallons of water is distributed to residents of the area. Water is pumped from wells and into taps from the 200 foot level. Doylestown also holds 1.75 million gallons of water in five storage tanks which is used for domestic needs and fire suppression services. From the drain, the excess water is taken through a pipe that leads to sewage systems in the street. Some neighborhoods utilize public sewer systems while others utilize a septic tank. Lots with septic systems must have an inspector approve of it every three years. Once the wastewater is cleaned and managed, it can be pumped back through the water system.

1B:

• Flushed toilet 3 times = 9 gallons
• Brushed Teeth = 1 gallon
• Drank 5 glasses of water = 40 ounces
• Took a 10 minute shower = 50 gallons
• Washed hands 3 times = 1 gallon

According to USGS, my daily water usage is 63.3 gallons of water per day.

1C:

Living on 2 gallons of water is something extremely difficult. Given that the average toilet uses 3 gallons per flush, all of my water usage would go towards that one toilet flush. Some things were very easy, like brushing teeth without turning on the faucet, something I typically already do. Instead of washing my hands I would use hand sanitizer. However, according to USGS, both of those efforts would only save me 2 gallons. Since I shower every day, I prioritized my shower towards my water usage. On average I take 10 minute showers, but I timed my shower and tried to take one as quick as possible. I ended up taking a 4 minute shower, which equates to 20 gallons rather than 50. I definitely failed the experiment, given that I was already at 23 gallons rather than 2. Flushing the toilet was another priority because, like the reading explained, it is a social norm. Frankly, not flushing a toilet is unsanitary and unfair for the next person. This experiment made me realize that even the most mundane daily activities take up a lot of water usage. I realized I am extremely privileged to not have to worry about a lack of water. I think water usage correlates to every aspect of geography. It has to do with location because some areas have different water systems, or a lack of water systems. It has to do with sustainability for those areas lacking water systems. It relates to ethics and altruism for helping those in need, such as in third world countries. I hadn’t critically thought about water systems until now.