The U.S. Geological Survey reports the nation’s per capita water use is down by nearly 30 percent since 1975.
NPR story on 30% reduction in water usage
This is great news. It means that while we grow economically and in population we don’t necessarily put a greater strain on water resources and clean water. Improvements in efficiency, conservation, and reuse are key strategies for water reduction.
Water Conservation is a fundamental strategy to reduce and adapt to the effects of climate change. If we can cut our water use across sectors, we can cut our water-related energy use at a roughly proportionate rate. Check out our winter newsletter, coming Dec 1, that is a special issue devoted to “Why Climate Change Matters on a Watershed Level.”