Trends indicate that water will become a scarce resource over the coming decades.  Water is vital to the survival of everything and is limited in supply.  Less than 1 percent of the planet’s water is available for human use.  In the United States: 

• Approximately 349 billion gallons of fresh water are withdrawn from rivers, streams, reservoirs each day.
• Buildings account for nearly 14% of the freshwater consumption.
• Since the 1940’s, underground aquifers have dropped more than 100 feet.
• Nearly one-third of the lakes, streams, and rivers are unsafe for swimming or fishing. 

The Water and Energy Connection  

Electricity production from fossil fuels and nuclear energy is responsible for 41% of all freshwater withdrawals in the Nation.  According to the National Energy Technology Laboratory, each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of thermoelectric generation requires the withdrawal of approximately 25 gallons of water, primarily for cooling purposes. 

In addition, delivering and treating water takes a considerable amount of energy.   American public water supply and treatment facilities consume about 56 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year—enough electricity to power more than 5 million homes for an entire year.  In fact, letting your faucet run for five minutes uses about as much energy as letting a 60-watt light bulb run for 14 hours. 

What is Water Efficiency? 

Water efficiency is the management of potable water, or drinkable water, to conserve water and reduce water waste.  There are two approaches to water efficiency: 

• Using high-efficiency fixtures, appliance, and water system technology.
• Using water conservation practices and behaviors.  

Water Saving Strategies:

Identify and repair leaks.  Dripping faucets and leaking toilets is estimate to account for as much as 14% of all indoor water use in the U.S., equivalent to 10 gallons per person of water lost per day. 

When replacing old plumbing fixtures, specify low-flow fixtures: 

• Save 20% of more water.
• Perform just as well.
• Cost about the same.
• Reduce wastewater. 

Adopt Some New Habits: 

• Running the dishwasher only when it is full. If dishes are washed by hand, water can be saved by filling the sink or a dishpan with water rather than running the water continuously.
• Shorten showers -even a one or two minute.
• Save water in the bathroom by turning off the faucet while brushing teeth or shaving.
• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks. 
• Capture tap water. While you wait for hot water to come down the pipes, catch the flow in a watering can to use later on house plants.
• Water can be saved in the laundry room by adjusting water levels in the washing machine to match the size of the load.  
• Don’t run the hose while washing your car. Use a bucket of water and a quick hose rinse at the end.
• Outdoor water use can be reduced by watering the lawn early in the morning or late in the evening.