Experts are sounding the alarm that potable water will soon become as precious a commodity as oil. While world population continues to grow ever faster, freshwater resources remain constant - only 1% of the world's water is fit for human use. In the U.S., 36 states anticipate local, regional or statewide water shortages by 2013. If we all started using water more efficiently, we can help preserve water supplies for future generations and save money on our water and sewage bills.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, homes use more than half of publicly supplied water in the United States. An average American family of four can consume nearly 400 gallons of water per day and spends up to $500 per year on water and sewage bills. The biggest uses of water in a home are:

Toilets (27% of total water usage)

• The average person flushes the toilet about five times per day. Low-flow toilets (less than 1.3 gallons per flush) and dual-flush toilets can save more than 2.000 gallons per year.
• Note that early model and 'builder grade' 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf) low-flow toilets have a reputation for not flushing completely and/or require you to keep a plunger handy.
• Choose models that score high on key measurement criteria such as plug resistance, completeness of flush (at least 500 grams based on MaP testing), noise levels, how well the bowl rinses and length of time to refill.
• Many plumbers recommend G-Max and Pressure Assisted low- flow units. However, the sudden action and noise of Pressure Assisted units can startle children-not very helpful when trying to potty train!
• Dual flush (1.6gpf for solids, 0.8 gpf for liquids) are common in many parts of the world, and are gaining popularity in the U.S.

• The average home washes 7 loads of laundry per week.
• ENERGY STAR label units consume about 20 gallons of water per load, compared with 40 gallons for standard models.
• Front loading (horizontal axis) washers use half as much water as conventional (vertical axis) units. Washing full loads rather than partial loads saves up to 3,400 gallons per year.

Showers (17% of total water usage)

• The average person showers about 5 minutes each day.
• Low-flow showerheads can help conserve water by reducing water flow.
• The water flow rates of low-flow showerheads range between 0.5 gallons per minute to 2 gallons per minute.
• They range in price from $3 to more than $80.
• You get what you pay for; low-priced models will need to be replaced in a couple of years, as water pressure erodes the drop holes.
• Aerating-type low-flow units mix water with air, creating a misty spray that can permeate the entire bathroom-not good in humid climates where added moisture can lead to mold, mildew and other problems.
• Early model aerating units are commonly viewed as not providing enough water for a good shower.
• Laminar-type units form individual streams of water, and receive high marks for providing adequate water flow while minimizing waste.
• Opt for a high quality laminar unit with large size droplet holes.
• CAUTION: Installing low-flow shower heads can increase back pressure in water supply lines. This can cause a leak in the pipe, and can cause the bathtub faucet to leak large amounts of water while your low-flow shower head is running. Make sure that the diverter valve (the valve that shuts off flow to the bathtub faucet when the shower is running) is in good working condition.

Faucets (16% of total water usage)

• The average person uses faucets for about 8 minutes each day.
• Sink faucet aerators conserve water by reducing the rate of water flow.
• Use sink faucet aerators on fixtures located closest to the water heater. The further the distance from the water heater, the longer you'll have to run the tap to get hot water - and actually waste more water than you would without using an aerator!
• Faucet aerators are the most cost-effective when water delivery pressure is high.
• Their water flow rates range from 0.375 gallons per minute to 2.5 gallons per minute.
• They range in price from $1.50 to $25.

Dishwashers (5% of total water usage)

• The average home uses the dishwasher 5 times per week.
• An ENERGY STAR label dishwasher uses about 40% less water than conventional models.

Similar to the highly successful ENERGY STAR program to help consumers choose energy efficient products, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently launched the WaterSense program. The WaterSense program establishes water-efficiency standards for appliances, and issues a label to help buyers choose high quality, water efficient products. Visit the WaterSense website at www.epa.gov/watersense/index.htm.

By making smart choices in how we consume water today, we will be able to ensure a steady supply of potable water for our great-grandchildren.