Why Conserve Water?

A mere 3% of the world’s freshwater is accessible for use. Much of the world is experiencing water scarcity due to climate change, overconsumption, and contamination. Forty out of fifty states are expecting water shortages, and scientists warn us that many areas of the United States could find their freshwater supply reduced by as much as a third in the next 50 years. This is a well-known issue for those of us living in the dry Western U.S., but water concerns have spread even to the northeastern states.

Did you realize that water has a strong connection to energy use? Pumping, transporting, treating, and heating water all require significant energy, contributing to carbon emissions. Heating water is the second largest use of energy in the home, after HVAC systems. Power plants use a large amount of water to generate electricity: it takes 3,000 to 6,000 gallons of water to power a 60-watt incandescent bulb for 12 hours per day for a year.

Explore the guides below to learn specific ways to save water indoors and outdoors.

Indoor Water Conservation

From showers and sinks to toilets and laundry, an average household can use hundreds of gallons of water each day. Simple upgrades like low-flow fixtures, fixing leaks, and adopting smart habits can save thousands of gallons each year. More advanced solutions, such as greywater recycling and composting toilets, take conservation to the next level.

Outdoor Water Conservation

On average, one-third of residential water nationwide use is devoted to irrigating landscapes; in drier climates, this can be around 60%. Some estimates say that as much as half of this is wasted due to inefficient irrigation methods and systems. The overall use and associated waste can be decreased immensely with smart practices. Learn about different strategies to decrease water usage in your landscapes, such as proper plant selection, efficient watering practices, greywater systems, and more.