Water – An Evaporating Resource

Abstract

Humans are affected in numerous ways by climate change. Drought and water scarcity is an important area that must be addressed. Hospitals use a large amount of their community's water supply and therefore play a part in water conservation. The orthopaedist can minimize water waste in the operating room in multiple ways. The most immediate impact can be made by using less water for pre-operative scrubbing, either by turning off the water when not actively rinsing or by converting to waterless scrub. Eliminating rarely used surgical instruments from trays can save water and decrease costs to the hospital. Conserving water benefits both the hospital and the planet.