How Much Water We Really Use and Why It Matters

A new year is the perfect time to take a fresh look at the things we use every day without thinking. Water is at the top of that list. Whether at home, at work, or out in the community, water moves through our lives constantly. Yet most people are shocked when they learn how much they actually use.

Here is something to think about. The average American uses 82 gallons of water per day, but in Bastrop and Lee Counties the average is 125 gallons. That is 56 percent higher than the national average. Most families also use about 70 percent of their water indoors and 30 percent outdoors. When you add those two facts together, it becomes clear how quickly daily habits add up in a region that depends almost entirely on groundwater.

Nearly 100 percent of the drinking water in Bastrop and Lee Counties comes from groundwater. Our aquifers recharge slowly, and while they are out of sight, they should never be out of mind. Every gallon we save helps protect the long-term health of our shared water resources.

The good news is that meaningful conservation starts with simple steps. Fourteen percent of household water use comes from leaks. Fixing a dripping faucet, repairing a running toilet, or checking outdoor hoses for slow leaks is one of the easiest ways to save both water and money. Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, running full laundry loads, adjusting sprinkler schedules, and choosing native plants for landscaping also make a big difference. Starting small beats doing nothing at all, and everyday decisions add up across thousands of homes.

If you want to learn more about your personal water footprint, visit www.watercalculator.org. You can also find easy conservation tips at www.lostpineswater.org. When we understand how much water we use and where it comes from, we are better equipped to protect it.