Water Conservation is not a simple matter of taking shorter showers...  there are intimate connections between water consumption, agriculture, pollution, manufacturing and energy use!

For example, coal-fired power plants that use once-through water cooling systems require more than 27 gallons of water per kilowatt-hour of electricity generated and nuclear power plants draw more than 31 gallons to produce the same amount of energy.  Power companies contest that using this water is not an issue because they return most of it to the river from which it is drawn, but putting it back into the water body at a higher temperature leads to increased evaporation and harmful effects for cold-blooded aquatic species.  Furthermore, the fact that they need this much water to cool their plants in Southern Georgia and Alabama means that less is available to individuals and businesses upstream, including Atlanta residents.

Embedded water refers to the water used to produce a specific good.  For example, a typical cow raised for slaughter will consume more than 2,850 lbs of grain and 15,800 lbs of roughages in its lifetime.  Over 810,000 gallons of water is needed to water that amount of crops.  The same cow will drink more than 6,330 gallons of water and require an additional 1,850 gallons of water for servicing.  Since an average cow will yield about 440 lbs of beef, we can estimate that there is more than 630 gallons of water in one 1/3 lb hamburger patty.

A Few Conservation Tips:

• Collect water that would otherwise go down the drain (such as bath water) and pour it into your toilet bowl to flush instead of using the lever.
• Wear clothes multiple times between washes and only wash full loads.  Hang clothes to dry when possible.
• Repair all leaky pipes and faucets and replace old showerheads and toilets with low-flow fixtures.
• Cook food in as little water as possible.  This will also help retain most of its nutrients.  Try stir-frying or eating food uncooked.
• Replace all incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) and be sure to turn them off whenever you leave the room.
• Clean the lint trap in your dryer after every load to improve air circulation and reduce drying time.
• Turn off your television.  Read a book or play a game instead.
• Next time you need to go shopping, visit a nearby thrift store. You’ll save water, energy, and money!
• Get rid of your screensaver and program your computer to sleep or hibernate when not in use.
• Air-dry your dishes instead of using your dishwasher’s drying cycle.  Wipe or quickly rinse dishes that are only lightly soiled.
• Plug home electronics, such as laptops and DVD players, into power strips; turn the power strips off when the equipment is not in use.
• Install an aerator on all household faucets to reduce the water flow by as much as 50%. 

Visit these sites for more tips and information:

Conservation @ Tech - More about campus conservation efforts and useful links

100 Water Saving Tips - Specifically listed for the Southeastern United States

H₂0 Calculator - Find out how your water use compares to the Average American and discover how you can reduce your consumption even more!

Rivers Alive - annual volunteer waterway cleanups in Georgia

World Water Council - information on the Global Water and Sanitation Crisis

WaterPartners International - more information on the Global Water and Sanitation Crisis

Waterfootprint.org - virtual water and footprint calculator

Waterwise - more on embedded water

Pacific Institute - provides information on the World's water

Georgia Rural Water Association - a non-profit organization representing rural water systems in Georgia in regard to drinking water and wastewater needs

Georgia Water Council - a coordinating committee created by the Comprehensive Statewide Water Management Planning Act

Environment Georgia - non-profit working to protect Georgia's rivers and other waterways

Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeepers - non-profit group dedicated to preserving the Upper Chattahoochee River

Georgia River Network - working to ensure a clean water legacy by engaging and empowering Georgians to protect and restore our rivers

Water Conserve - water conservation portal and search engine