For many people, the word “Hawaii” conjures images of sparkling blue oceans, vigorous waterfalls and long hikes that end with the sky melting into the water. Living in a place where the “wai,” or water, makes up much of our daily activities, it’s often too easy to dismiss the critical role that it plays in our lives.

Beyond just leisure activities, water is the very foundation that our lifestyle and sustainability is based upon; from the waters we fish in, to the tourists that it attracts, water is the single most important resource that the Aloha Spirit is rooted in.

Unfortunately, with the increasing population in Hawaii, the demand for water has been increasing exponentially. In fact, many worry that we may soon reach the point in which there will not be enough for everyone. Furthermore, studies have shown that our current supply is in jeopardy. Rainfall has been steadily decreasing by around 20 percent each year, and it already takes 25 years for a single drop of water from the top of the Koolau Mountains to percolate into the underground aquifer.

In addition, groundwater is becoming increasingly less available due to saltwater intrusion and impervious surfaces. The reduction of stream and ocean discharge coupled with the overall decline of recharge levels is troubling.

If Hawaii were to face a major shortage or a drought period, the consequences would be catastrophic. Unlike other states, it is virtually impossible to transport potable water en masse to fill these demands. California, the closest state to Hawaii, is over 2,000 miles away and plagued by its own drought.

Many of our water problems can be solved through a single practice: conservation. Despite the fact that water is the most essential out of all of the most precious natural resources, there is a severe lack of water conservation programs to improve management. From just turning the tap, the supply of water may seem limitless, but the reality is that its management is strained all the way back to the ecological line.

Ultimately, the solution and the fate of Hawaii’s water is in the hands of the people. Everybody can help to save a drop today to hydrate Hawaii’s tomorrow.

There are many ways to fulfill this conservation ideal — and installing rainwater catchment systems represent a promising way to provide for our large outdoor water use. Using catchment systems for irrigation conserves our precious groundwater resources for best and highest use such as drinking and cooking. These systems also reduce the amount of water running off rooftops, which pick up pollutants that subsequently land in our nearshore water.

Students around the state are learning more about water conservation because of such methods.

The student project team Wai For Hawai’i, which is currently building a rainwater catchment system for Christian Academy, is a shining example of students trying to mitigate the conservation inadequacies.

Other nonprofit and for-profit organizations, such as One World One Water, ITC Water Management and the Hawaii Community Foundation, are also doing their part in conservation efforts.

One World One Water is restoring natural environments and improving the efficiency of our water infrastructure through public and private projects. Additionally, it volunteers with nonprofit and educational institutions to share expertise and further water conservation practices in Hawaii.

Water is our most essential and least negotiable resource; it is the substance that sustains all forms of life. Although Hawaii has yet to hit crisis levels, there is no denying that our water is at risk. If Hawaii ever wants to avert that risk, then it is time to further the conversation about conservation.

Roshani Jha is a senior at Roosevelt High School. Caleb Trinidad is a senior at Christian Academy.