DENVER, May 6, 2003 -- In conjunction with National Drinking Water Week, the American Water Works Association (AWWA), a resource on safe drinking water, called on citizens to help ease the strain on water supplies by employing basic household conservation measures.
"Only one percent of the earth's water is fresh water available for human consumption," said Jack Hoffbuhr, AWWA executive director. "We all have the responsibility to preserve this precious resource."
Many communities can expect water shortages in the coming months. The total consumer demand for water is 34 million gallons per day. Consumers can take simple steps to conserve. Some tips include:
* Water your lawn early in the morning or at night to avoid excess evaporation. Don't over-water your lawn.
* Fully load the dishwasher and clothes washer before running.
* Defrost frozen food in the refrigerator or in the microwave instead of running hot water over the food.
* When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run. Use two basins - one for washing and one for rinsing.
* Use a broom, rather than a hose, to clean sidewalks and driveways.
* If you have a swimming pool, use a cover. You will cut the loss of water by evaporation by 90 percent.
* Repair dripping faucets and leaky toilets. Dripping faucets can waste up to 2,000 gallons of water each year in the average home. Leaky toilets can waste as much as 200 gallons per day.
Find out more about our most precious resource and how you can help celebrate National Drinking Water Week in your community by visiting AWWA online.
AWWA is a resource for knowledge, information, and advocacy to improve the quality and supply of drinking water in North America and beyond. AWWA is the largest organization of water professionals in the world. AWWA advances public health, safety and welfare by uniting the efforts of the full spectrum of the drinking water community. Through our collective strength we become better stewards of water for the greatest good of the people and the environment.
