New Research Shows Most Americans Unaware of Their Daily Water Consumption

According to new research conducted by global research agency Opinium on behalf of American Water, Americans underestimate the amount of water they use daily by 90 percent.

Most Americans believe they use less than 100 gallons of water each day, when the actual number is more than 2,000 gallons on average, according to the Water Footprint Network. This figure considers the water consumed by individuals directly (e.g., dishwashing or watering the lawn) and indirectly (e.g., the water required to produce food and manufacture various consumer items). With the majority of Americans underestimating their own personal water usage, the study also found a lack of awareness for water consumption in other areas of their lives as well.

The survey asked a nationally representative sample of more than 2,000 adults in the United States to reflect on their daily water consumption and how much water is required to produce many common items that are consumed daily. The findings revealed that—regardless of gender, socioeconomic background, homeownership, or age— Americans are largely unaware of just how large their water footprint is and the variety of ways water impacts their everyday lives.

Survey Shows More Education is Needed

“We all know water is a vital part of our daily lives for drinking and basic hygiene, but we often don’t consider the water needed to produce the foods we eat or even the clothes we wear,” said Dr. Lauren Weinrich, principal scientist for water research and development at American Water. “As part of our commitment to provide clean, safe, and reliable drinking water for our customers, it’s important to raise public awareness of the true value of water. During the yearly Imagine a Day Without Water event, we want to help educate our customers on the importance of water, but also give them ways they can participate in the efforts to support water efficiency and conservation.”

Imagine a Day Without Water is an education campaign held every fall that brings together diverse stakeholders to highlight how water is essential, invaluable, and in need of investment. It includes events, resolutions, student contests, social media engagement, and more, all across the U.S.

The Opinium study revealed various underestimations by Americans of water consumption for products they likely use every day. S Almost 90 million Americans believe it takes no water at all to make a pair of jeans. In

reality, a new pair of jeans requires around 2,600 gallons to make. S It takes 713 gallons of water to make a new cotton t-shirt to pair with those jeans.

Americans believe it takes just 136 gallons. S Americans believe it takes 158 gallons of water to produce a smartphone, but the actual amount is more than 3,400 gallons.

Americans just enjoyed last fall’s many holiday events—like gathering around the table for family dinners. Most people, however, aren’t aware of just how much water goes into producing their favorite foods. Americans drastically underestimate the water needed to make them. S One 16-pound holiday turkey takes 4,688 gallons versus an estimated 158 gallons. S A pecan pie takes 1,068 gallons versus the estimated 135 gallons and a pumpkin pie takes 458 gallons versus the estimated 135 gallons. S The traditional green bean casserole—with fried onions on top—takes 547 gallons of water to hit the holiday dinner table versus the estimated 116 gallons.

Conservation Tips

The study also showed that nine out of 10 Americans are likely to try at least one new habit Continued on page 8

Continued from page 7 to conserve water. American Water recommends some simple ways to reduce America’s water footprint.

Take Shorter Showers

The report found 56 percent of Americans are likely to try to incorporate shortening their showers to the length of two songs, but only 8 percent currently do it. An easy way to keep track can be listening to music while washing and finishing by the time two songs are complete.

Turn Off the Tap

The most-common, wasteful activity Americans do is leave the faucet on while brushing their teeth—the report found that one in five do this every day. Assuming people are brushing their teeth twice a day for a minute each time, this would waste 3 gallons of water each day or 1.5 gallons each minute. With 20 percent of U.S. adults doing this daily, it means around 149.9 million gallons of water are lost every day to this easily changeable task.

Use the Dishwasher Only With a Full Load

Washing dishes by hand can actually be more wasteful if the tap is left running. Simply scraping off the food scraps—instead of rinsing—and loading up the dishwasher before using can save an average of 320 gallons of water per week.

Wash a Full Load of Laundry

Being mindful of laundry habits can help clothes last longer and protect the planet. Sixtyfour percent of Americans are, according to the report, likely to try to incorporate waiting for a full load to do laundry into their daily lifestyle to conserve more water. when washing their car at home, it’s one of the most-wasteful water activities. The report found that Americans are doing this on an average of 2.6 times each month, which equates to 2,340 gallons of water lost per person per year. By adding an automatic shut-off nozzle to the end of the hose, it can save up to 5 gallons of water per minute.

Check and Fix Leaks

Leaks around the house make up a significant part of wasted water each year. Test toilets, water gaskets, and pipe fittings regularly.

Watch the Water Bill

The monthly or bimonthly water bill can be a tool to help keep water use down. Try to set a goal for reducing water use and check any progress on the next bill.

Follow Local Watering Restrictions

Implement smart water habits from the start. Use a water-smart irrigation system, pay attention to weather conditions, and take advantage of rain barrels.

Invest in High-Efficiency Appliances and Fixtures

The report found that 64 percent of Americans are likely to try to incorporate installing more ecofriendly appliances into their home to conserve more water, but only 7 percent currently do. Look for Energy Star- and WaterSense-certified models.

Use an Automatic Shut-Off Hose

Because many people leave the hose running

Resources

The company created an infographic to depict key findings of the study. For more information on how people can reduce their water footprint, visit https://www.amwater.com/paaw/ water-information/wise-water-use. S