We depend on Conserving Water for so much, from starting our day with a steaming cup of coffee or tea to letting all the stress and tension of the day wash away with a hot bath or shower – and everything in between . But how much do you really know about this precious resource?
Well, in honor of World Plumbing Day, observed on March 11 each year, here are some interesting water facts that you can use to impress your kids or, if you prefer, keep in your back pocket to liven up an otherwise listless dinner party conversation.
- In some deserts, rain is so uncommon that the native population doesn’t even have a word for it.
- An average 5-minute shower uses about 20 gallons of water, while a bath requires about 70 gallons.
- The average American household uses about 100 gallons of water a day. European household use about half that amount, while those in sub-Saharan Africa use only 2-5 gallons per day.
- The first water pipes in the United States were made of wood.
- Bathrooms account for about 2/3 of a home’s water usage.
- A faucet that drips once per second wastes approximately 3,000 gallons of water a year.
- The atmosphere holds more fresh water than all the rivers on the planet combined.
- No other liquid can dissolve more substances than water.
- Only 3% of the earth’s water is fresh water. Of that 3%, 68.7% is trapped in glaciers.
- More than 39,000 gallons are needed to manufacture one new car.
What can you do to conserve water in your home? More than anything, be aware of your habits, and make changes where you can. If, for example, you still leave the water running while brushing your teeth, just stop doing it. And while you may need to focus on that one simple change the first 10 times or so, suddenly a new and better habit will have replaced the old one.
We also invite you to contact Norhio Plumbing for more information on our numerous green plumbing services and products, including tankless, gas condensing, and electric hybrid water heaters. Click here to learn more.
