Water-Sense

Water Efficiency

Water efficiency is the long-term ethic of saving water resources through the employment of water-saving technologies and activities. Using water efficiently will help ensure supplies for future generations. Use the following links to learn how simple and smart it can be to save water.

Why Is Saving Water Important?

Across the country, our growing population is putting stress on available water supplies. Between 1950 and 2000, the U.S. population nearly doubled while the public demand for water more than tripled! Americans now use an average of 100 gallons of water each day—enough to fill 1,600 drinking glasses! This increased demand has put additional stress on water supplies and distribution systems, threatening both human health and the environment.

There's a reason that water has become a national priority. A recent government survey showed at least 36 states are anticipating local, regional, or statewide water shortages by 2013. But by using water more efficiently, we can help preserve water supplies for future generations, save money, and protect the environment. WaterSense is making it easier to identify water-efficient products and practices.

Watch two short videos to learn a little more about the daily impact your water use can have and how small actions can have a big impact.

Additional Resources

Find additional resources designed to educate kids on the importance of water efficiency and how to be water efficient at home.

WaterSense, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Wastewater Management (4204M), 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.Washington, D.C. 20460