For many Americans, accessing fresh, clean water is as simple as turning a tap. But amid a growing water crisis in the West, and periodic droughts in other parts of the country, constant water access is not a given. Earlier this month, federal officials announced sharp cuts in how much water Arizona, California and Nevada would be allowed to take from the Colorado River over the next two years as the water levels for the nation's two largest reservoirs reach record lows.
Under the Bureau of Reclamation’s new plan, the three states will have to collectively reduce water use by 1.25 million acre-feet annually over the next two years—or potentially face larger cuts. The average American uses roughly 82 gallons of water a day at home, according to the EPA. Much of that water use is the result of habits that most people rarely give a second thought— like leaving the sink running while washing dishes or setting up an automatic sprinkler system to maintain a green yard.
Experts in water sustainability say that there are small steps they take at home to help them save water. Qizhong George Guo, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Rutgers University, notes that there are plenty of small habits that can add up to significant drops in water usage. Only run the dishwasher or washing machine when you have full ones.
If you’re washing dishes by hand, be mindful to not leave the tap running when it's not in use. Soak pans before cleaning them, and turn off the faucet when scrubbing. Many older appliances use more water.
Switching to newer models, which tend to be more energy and water-efficient, could yield savings in the long run. Switching to low-flow faucets, which use less water than older models, are “a low-hanging fruit,” says Helen Dahlke, professor of integrated hydrologic sciences at the University of California, Davis. Another tip: Check around your home for leaks, which can add up to a lot of wasted water over time.
According to the EPA, household leaks waste more than 1 trillion gallons annually nationwide. That's equal to the annual household water use of more than 11 million homes. One of the biggest ways to save water is outside the home.
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