In areas where water is scarce, conserving water can help to pool limited resources for agricultural needs as well as home use. Some areas of the United States only receive an average of 5 inches of rainfall per year, and droughts can result in reduced crop production, forest fire, and potable water shortage.

Where water is not scarce, residents should be aware that treating water uses a lot of energy, and more water resources. Approximately 3 percent of all electricity in the U.S. is used to treat municipal water and wastewater, and as much as one-quarter to one-half of the electricity used by most cities is consumed by water treatment.

Additionally, freshwater resources are being overdrawn nationwide, and it only takes a few small shifts of habit to keep our lakes, rivers and reservoirs at healthy levels. Different ways to conserve water can include fixing leaks, installing water-efficient appliances, and limiting your irrigation needs by gardening with local varieties of plants (xeriscaping).

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