Earth Day 2003 - Protecting our Water Supply

Region 8 Library Pages

Technical Library - Environmental Information Center

Honor the Earth with One Small Change

Protecting our Water Supply

The Environmental Information Service Center (EISC) has received many phone calls and e-mails from people who are concerned about the environment, but they believe that any individual actions they take will not be make much of a difference. In response to these concerns, EISC has developed four fact sheets that outline small steps an individual can take to help improve the environment.

(1) Reducing air emissions;
(2) Reducing pesticide and herbicide use;
(3) Reducing solid and hazardous waste; and
(4) Protecting the water supply

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Concerns about water

Water is one of our most precious natural resources. Without it, life ceases. Yet judging by our water use and consumption practices, many of us in the United States seem to take it for granted. A typical household uses approximately 260 gallons of water per day. Conserving water plays an important role in protecting our water sources for future generations, and in improving water quality. Using water-saving techniques can also save a household hundreds of dollars per year and can also reduce the amount of pollutants entering rivers, lakes and streams.

Small changes that protect water supply and improve water quality

Check all water-using appliances and equipment in your home for leaks. Running toilets, steady faucet drips, home water treatment units and outdoor sprinkler systems are common sources of leaks.

Consider water-efficient landscaping in your yard. Many people mistakenly believe that stunning gardens are only possible through extensive watering, fertilization and pesticide application. By planting drought-resistant plants and using water-efficient irrigation methods, it is possible to have eye-catching gardens that save water and prevent pollution. For more information, see the EPA publication, Water-Efficient Landscaping: Preventing Pollution and Using Resources Wisely (EPA 832-F-02-002)
Replace old toilets. The major water use inside the home is toilet flushing. If your home was built in 1992 and you haven't replaced your toilets since then, you probably could benefit from installing high-efficiency toilets that use 1.6 gallons or less per flush. A family of four can save between 14,000 and 25,000 gallons of water per year be making this change.

Replace old clothes washers. These are the second largest water user in your home. If your clothes washer is old, consider purchasing a model with Energy Star certification. Energy Star washers use 35 to 50 percent less water and 50 percent less energy per load.

Don't let the water run while shaving or brushing your teeth.

Before pouring water down the drain, consider using it for other uses, such as watering plants. You can catch this water by placing a bucket in the shower or the sink.

Add food wastes to a compost pile instead of using a garbage disposal.

Operate the dishwasher only when completely full.

Sweep driveways and sidewalks rather than hosing them off.

When using a hose, control the flow with an automatic shutoff valve.

Install low-flow showerheads.

Did you decide to make one small change to protect our water supply? If so, please send us an e-mail describing what small change you intend to make: r8eisc@epa.gov We will send you a response e-mail summarizing the cumulative benefits to the environment from your small change. We will show you how powerful one person can be.

Return to Honor the Earth home page.

Environmental Information Service Center,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
1595 Wynkoop Street, 8OC-L
Denver, CO 80202-2466
Phone: (303) 312-6312