Water Quantity

Freshwater on Earth

• Less than 3% of Earth's water is freshwater   
  
• Of that 3% only ~30% of that amount is ready for consumption
• The rest of the freshwater is locked up in icecaps and glaciers
• About 30% of the freshwater on Earth is groundwater, compared to only 0.3% that is contained in surface water like lakes and rivers.
  

BACOG Area Groundwater

• There is an estimated 6.16 trillion gallons (TG) of water beneath our feet.  (In the BACOG study area)
  
• Not all of it is available for use though.  If we kept pumping till we couldn't pump anymore we would only be able to extract 1.10 trillion gallons.
• Sure, that might seem like a lot of water, but the actual amount of water that is sustainably available in our area is currently unknown.  If we pumped that much water (1.10 TG) we wouldn't just be out of drinking water; the environment depends on that water too, rivers would run dry!  In other areas it has been shown that less than 2% of the total water (6.16 TG) can be removed before negative environmental effects are felt.
• Rivers and lakes could run dry, harming, wildlife, vegetation and so much more.
  

● WaterSense is a partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to promote water-efficient products and practices across the country.

● WaterSense labeled products and services help you save water without sacrificing performance or quality.

● Products can only earn the WaterSense label if they have been indepently tested and certified to use less water and perform just as well as, if not better than, conventional models.

● Choosing WaterSense labeled products helps save water for future generations—and could save on your utility bill.

● Each American uses an average of 100 gallons of water a day at home. We can all use 30 percent less water by taking a few simple steps to use water efficiently. Start by installing products that have earned the WaterSense label for water efficiency and high performance.

● Saving water also helps reduces the electricity needed to pump, heat, and treat the water.

● Protecting and preserving the nation’s water supply is critical to our economy, our environment, and our health. Be part of the solution; look for and practice WaterSense!