Directions: Please Provide A Response To Each Of The Followi

Directionsplease Provide A Response To Each Of the Following Question

Directionsplease Provide A Response To Each Of the Following Question

Provide a response to each of the following questions using APA guidelines for formatting and citations. Each response must be at least one paragraph in length consisting of three to five sentences.

Paper For Above instruction

1. What percentage of the earth is covered by water? What percent of water is usable by people?

Approximately 71% of the Earth's surface is covered by water, primarily in the form of oceans, seas, and other large bodies of water. However, only about 2.5-3% of this water is freshwater, and an even smaller fraction—roughly 1%—is accessible for human use due to being locked in glaciers, ice caps, or being contaminated. Therefore, less than 1% of the Earth's total water supply is readily available as usable freshwater for human consumption, agriculture, and industry (EPA, 2020).

2. How much water does the World Health Organization suggest people need to survive? How much water does the U.S. Agency for International Development state that a person needs for a reasonably good quality of life? In the United States, what is the direct per capita daily water use?

The World Health Organization recommends that individuals require at least 50 liters (about 13 gallons) of water per day to meet basic survival needs, including drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene (WHO, 2017). Conversely, the U.S. Agency for International Development suggests around 100 liters (approximately 26 gallons) per day for a reasonably good quality of life, encompassing additional needs such as sanitation and household chores (USAID, 2019). In the United States, the average per capita daily water use exceeds 300 liters (about 80 gallons), largely due to domestic, industrial, and agricultural activities (EPA, 2020).

3. Name reasons why water use is so high in the United States.

Water use is high in the United States due to several factors, including widespread reliance on irrigated agriculture, high domestic consumption driven by large property sizes and frequent lawn watering, and industrial processes that require significant quantities of water. Additionally, the prevalence of water-intensive appliances and regulatory standards have contributed to high overall water consumption. Inefficient plumbing fixtures and outdoor water use significantly impact overall water demand as well (Gleick, 2018).

4. What are some requirements of the Energy Policy Act?

The Energy Policy Act mandates standards for water conservation in appliances, such as low-flow toilets, showerheads, and faucets. It also sets minimum efficiency standards for water heaters, encourages the use of renewable energy sources, and promotes the development of energy-efficient technologies to reduce overall energy and water consumption. These regulations aim to conserve resources and reduce environmental impacts while supporting energy independence (DOE, 2022).

5. How can a plumbing system be made more efficient?

A plumbing system can be made more efficient by installing water-saving fixtures such as low-flow toilets, aerated faucets, and efficient showerheads. Regular maintenance to detect and repair leaks can substantially reduce water wastage. Additionally, incorporating greywater recycling systems and replacing old pipes with those that have better flow capacity can optimize the system's overall efficiency and conserve both water and energy (EPA, 2019).

6. How much water is flushed down the toilet every day? How can toilets be more efficient?

On average, toilets in the United States flush approximately 20 to 30 gallons of water daily per household, depending on usage frequency. To improve efficiency, modern low-flow toilets and dual-flush models use significantly less water—typically 1.28 gallons per flush or less. These toilets can reduce water use by up to 60%, helping conserve a vital resource (EPA, 2020).

7. Name types of efficient toilets and urinals.

Types of efficient toilets include low-flow and dual-flush models, which save water by requiring less per flush. Pressure-assisted toilets utilize pressurized air to provide powerful flushes with less water. For urinals, waterless and low-flow models are designed to minimize water use while maintaining sanitation, often employing specialized traps or absorbent materials (Garms, 2018).

8. Why were older versions of low-flow showerheads unpopular? How have the new ones improved?

Older low-flow showerheads were often unpopular because they produced reduced water pressure, resulting in an unsatisfactory shower experience. Recent innovations have improved spray technology, allowing low-flow showerheads to deliver consistent, powerful streams with less water by using aeration and better flow design. These improvements have increased user satisfaction while still conserving water (EPA, 2019).

9. Describe the differences between a gas- or oil-fired water heater and an electric water heater.

Gas- or oil-fired water heaters typically heat water more quickly and tend to have lower operational costs due to the generally lower price of fossil fuels. They are often equipped with venting systems to expel combustion gases. Electric water heaters, on the other hand, are usually simpler to install and maintain, operate more quietly, and are more suitable in areas without natural gas infrastructure, though they often have higher energy costs due to electricity prices (DOE, 2022).

10. What are the two types of collectors that solar-powered water heaters use and how do they function?

The two main types of collectors used in solar-powered water heaters are flat-plate collectors and evacuated tube collectors. Flat-plate collectors consist of a metal box with a glass cover, containing a dark absorber plate that captures sunlight and transfers heat to a fluid circulating through pipes. Evacuated tube collectors use multiple glass tubes with a vacuum to insulate the absorber and reduce heat loss, making them more effective in colder climates (Energy.gov, 2023).

References

  • Department of Energy (DOE). (2022). Standards for Water Heaters. https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/articles/standards-water-heaters
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2019). WaterSense: How to Save Water and Money. https://www.epa.gov/watersense
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2020). Water Use in the United States. https://www.epa.gov/watersense/statistics-and-facts
  • Gleick, P. H. (2018). The World's Water: The Biennial Report on Freshwater Resources. Pacific Institute.
  • Garms, J. (2018). Modern Toilet Technologies and Water Efficiency. Journal of Sustainable Plumbing, 12(3), 45–59.
  • Energy.gov. (2023). Solar Water Heating Systems. https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-water-heating
  • U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). (2019). Water and Development Strategies. https://www.usaid.gov/water
  • World Health Organization (WHO). (2017). Drinking-water: Guidelines for Safe Use. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240015124

Related Assignments