We all use freshwater, a critical natural resource, in our daily lives: we drink it, use it to grow crops, produce goods in factories with it, clean ourselves with it, and more.

However, in Jersey City, and across the United States, the waste of freshwater is a massive problem. Affluent lifestyles have led to inefficient water usage practices, caused by a lack of government subsidies promoting efficient practices and a low cost of water usage allowing for unlimited use. If this continues, this poses countless threats to the Boonton Gorge, the source of freshwater to Jersey City, and sources of surface and groundwater across the country.

Individually, we can all adopt more efficient practices to reduce our own water wastage. Some examples include:

• Taking short showers instead of long baths.
• Fixing water leaks as soon as possible after noticing them.
• Washing only a full load of clothing at a time.
• Using products labeled as WaterSense by the EPA, like efficient showerheads.
• Gardening with plants that demand low amounts of water

Ultimately, though, we need the Jersey City government to introduce policy that makes sure lifestyles change across the city.

1. City Hall and the Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority need to introduce a program subsidizing products that are water-efficient, helping bringing efficient practices across the city, regardless of economic level.
2. City Hall and the Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority need to pass law introducing water meters, especially in apartment building-dense neighborhoods like Newport. Residents will start paying according to their water usage, rather than paying a flat fee and using water as they please.

By signing this petition, you commit to adopting more water efficient practices and support the above policy changes.