The US Geological Survey latest study on US water use in 2015 showed that US water use was 322 billion gallons per day (bgd), a 9% decrease from 2010 levels. Water withdrawal in the US grew from 1950 to 1980, hitting a peak of 430 bgd. Withdrawal levels remained relatively constant through 2005, when they began to drop.

Thermoelectric power generation, irrigation and public drinking supply make up 90% of water use in the US. Of all categories, thermoelectric power use decreased the most, down 18% from 2010. Industrial water use has consistently declined in the last 30 years; 2015 estimates are about 43% less than in 1985. This may be contributed by the slowdown in the economy in the early 2010’s, as well as industries moving overseas.

The 9% decline in withdrawals for public supply between 2010 and 2015 was unexpected, given an increase in total US population of 4% during that time. Per capita use declined from 88 gallons per day in 2010 to 82 gallons per day in 2015.

These short- and long-term results go against conventional thinking as the US population increased and water infrastructure continued to age, resulting in more lost water from our supply. Add on to this climate change effects on weather patterns (greater dry periods and more severe storms where water cannot be effectively captured), and the measured reduction of water use was surprising.

As happens often, patterns of change occur led by individual municipalities and states in need implementing innovative water conservation programs. Advanced purification technology from Israel and other nations that treat sanitary sewage water and turns it directly into drinking water has been shown to be effective and is being implemented by a number of municipalities, the largest of which being El Paso, TX.

Progress is also made by competition. Recently, New York City launched a Water Challenge to Universities. The six participating universities will work to reduce their campus-wide average water consumption by at least 5%, which would be a savings of approximately 1.3 million gallons of water per month. Not only is that a beneficial result in itself, but this is practical training the future engineers and professionals for how to implement and administer these and other innovative programs.

Of course, demand for water relative to supply is a major driver of conservation. California allocates resources to find creative strategies to manage their water resources. In Arizona, a draft contingency plan to save water from Lake Mead in order to address shortages from the Colorado River appears to be finalizing.

Water conservation for “green” or cost-saving purposes certainly sells. Therefore, companies are investing in innovative water management strategies, for industrial or irrigation use. Manufacturers of home appliances are designing more products that conserve water, as they sell. There is a growing number of WaterSense-labeled and Water Smart-certified homes, saving an estimated 1.4 billion gallons of water annually.

CCES can help you develop and implement a robust water conservation program within your Sustainability program, maximizing benefits and flexibility. Contact us today at karell@CCESworld.com or at 914-584-6720.