Living Green: The Missing Manual

Water-Saving Strategies

Water is so basic to life that many people take it for granted, assuming it'll be there whenever they want to fill a glass, take a shower, or wash laundry. But the world is headed toward a water crisis—and getting there fast. A United Nations report estimates that two-thirds of the world's population will face shortages of clean water by 2025. In the U.S., many cities have outdated treatment plants and infrastructure (water mains, pipes, and so on) or are expanding quickly and the local water supply can't keep up. These problems could lead to serious water shortages throughout the country within the next 10 to 15 years. And it's not just people who need water, of course; a diminishing water supply also endangers animals, plants, and entire ecosystems.

It's clear that large-scale solutions are necessary to avert a crisis. But everyone can do their part. Currently, each person in the U.S. uses 75 to 100 gallons per day—that's three times more than the global average. People need to recognize water for the precious resource it is and use it wisely. Even if you live in an area where water is plentiful, conserving water is smart because it helps you:

• Save energy. Treating water and moving it into and out of your home takes energy, so using less water means using less energy, which reduces your carbon footprint and cuts back on greenhouse gas emissions. It also eases the burden on the water treatment plant that cleans the water you send down the drain; many of these ...