Connecticut is a state rich in natural water resources. It is important to conserve and protect our water resources.

• 450,000 acres of wetlands, 4,000 lakes, 10,000 miles of rivers and streams and more than 200 miles of coastline along the Long Island Sound.1
• Most of our drinking water comes from underground aquifers and reservoirs (these don’t last forever).

Water is essential to life on Earth. Unfortunately we have taken it for granted. We rarely stop to think where our water comes from or how much is left. The answer is, not enough to feed the ever growing demand. Access to fresh, clean drinking water is poised to become the greatest environmental issue of the 21st century.

On a per capita basis Americans are the world’s largest consumers of water. The average American uses 100-175 gallons of water a day.2 Our demand for perfect lawns accounts for 20-50% of all residential water use.

How Do We Use Our Water? 3

Toilets 27%
Clothes Washers 21%
Showers 17%
Faucets 16%
Leaks 14%
Baths 2%
Other 2%
Dishwashers 1%

Improving efficiency reduces costs and the need to continually tap into limited freshwater supplies. There are simple steps you can take in your daily routine that will help preserve our precious water resources.

Additional Resources

The EPA Water Sense is an EPA partnership program. It helps consumers identify water efficiency products and programs that meet Water Sense performance criteria. It brings together local utilities and governments, product manufacturers and consumers to improve water efficiency.

H2Ouse.org allows you to go through a mock home room by room to determine where water efficiency can be improved, offers helpful tools and techniques.

H2OConserve.org helps you calculate your individual or family’s water footprint.

The Groundwater Foundation site provides valuable information on groundwater facts and resources. Also lists upcoming programs and events.

Water.org is a great site for information about the world water crisis.

Texas Agricultural Service Extension has more information on Xeriscaping and landscape water conservation.

Natural Resources Canada has additional water use information and statistics.

The Alliance for Water Efficiency is a stakeholder-based non-profit organization dedicated to the efficient and sustainable use of water. Located in Chicago, the Alliance serves as a North American advocate for water efficient products and programs, and provides information and assistance on water conservation efforts.

Local Resources

Rivers Allaince of Connecticut is the only statewide non-profit dedicated to protecting and enhancing CT’s water resources. The alliance supports and promotes environmentally sound state policies. Good information on upcoming events, water trails and other river groups in the state.

CT DEP’s Low Impact Development site has downloadable guides for rain barrels and other water conservation techniques. This page also links to the CT Clean Water Fund.

References:
1. Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (CTDEP) website.
2. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Water Efficiency and Conservation.
3. Drinktap.org