Although the population in the United States and electricity production continue to increase, water use is staying steady, according to a new report by the U.S. Geological Survey.
In 2000, Americans used 408 billion gallons of water a day – an amount that has been unwavering since 1985. Researchers say it means water conservation is working. Electric power generation, irrigation and public supply make up most of the water use with public supply – water earmarked for homes, businesses, and industries – comprising 11 percent.
Nationwide, per capita use of water has dropped 25 percent from its peak in the 1970’s.
“It’s pretty good news for the nation that despite the increasing need for water, we have been able to maintain our consumption at fairly stable levels for the past 15 years,” said USGS Chief Hydrologist Robert Hirsch.
Despite promising water use trends, conservation continues to play central themes in regions throughout the country that experience drought conditions.
The American Water Works Association says a drought from 1987 to 1989 covered 36 percent of the United States at its peak. The drought, beginning along the west coast and extending into the northwestern U.S., had its greatest impact in the northern Great Plains. By 1988, the drought intensified over the northern Great Plains and spread across much of the eastern half of the United States.
During the 1990’s and early 2000’s the southern and eastern parts of the country experienced multi-year droughts. Meanwhile, while household water use makes up just a small sliver of the pie, the AWWA says a 1996-1999 study found the average household uses 146,000 gallons of water per year. Some 42 percent was used indoors; 58 percent was used outdoors. In houses that didn’t have water-efficient fixtures, toilets used the most water each day at 20.1 gallons per person per day. Clothes washers used the second most amount of water at 15 gallons per person per day and showers were the third worst offender at 13.3 gallons per person per day.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says homeowners should take a look at their toilets to make sure they’re not leaking – repairing a toilet that leaks 500 gallons of water a year can save nearly $1,000 a year. To find out if you have any leaks, add coloring to the tank water. If the colored water finds its way to the bowl, you have a leak.
How much do we spend on water? The EPA says a family of four spends about $820 a year on water and sewer services. But that figure varies – it can be twice as much in areas where bigger lawns are watered.
Meanwhile, the EPA says the top five ways to save water and money around the house are:
Source: Realty Times