A quarter-mile-long wheel line spritzes an Oregon alfalfa field. Many farmers in the upper reaches of the Klamath Basin are replacing such wheel-line irrigation with more modern methods, and improving the water efficiency of their operations.
Photograph by David McLain
Water is the basis of life, and on this planet only a tiny share—less than one percent of all water—is available for nearly 7 billion people and a myriad of freshwater aquatic ecosystems. It's that tiny share of freshwater that we have to use to meet all of our needs—irrigation, industry, drinking water, and sanitation—and the needs of thousands, if not millions, of other species that we share the planet with.
The average American lifestyle demands 1,800 gallons a day to support, with 70 percent of that going to support our diets. If each of us learned how to conserve just a little more water, it could add up to big savings. National Geographic's Freshwater Fellow, Sandra Postel, thinks you should start with these simple changes:
- Choose outdoor landscaping appropriate for your climate. Native plants and grasses that thrive on natural rainfall only are best.
- Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators. Because you’re saving hot water, you’ll also reduce your energy bill. (More at "Bathroom Revamp: Savings by the Gallon.")
- If you’re in the market for a toilet, buy a low-volume, ultra low-volume, or dual-flush model. (Read Green Guide's "Toilet Buying Guide.")
- Fix leaky faucets. All those wasted drops add up—sometimes to 10-25 gallons a day. (Learn more on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's, or EPA's, WaterSense website.)
- Run your dishwasher and washing machine only when full. When it’s time to replace them, buy a water- and energy-efficient model. Remember, saving water saves energy, and saving energy saves water. (Read Green Guide's "Dishwasher Buying Guide.")
- Eat a bit less meat, especially beef. A typical hamburger can take 630 gallons to produce. (Learn more about the water embedded in your food with National Geographic's "The Hidden Water We Use" interactive.)
- Buy less stuff. Everything takes water to make. So if we buy less, we shrink our water footprint.
- Recycle plastics, glass, metals, and paper. Buy re-usable products rather than throw-aways, as it takes water to make most everything.
- Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth and washing the dishes. Shave a minute or two off your shower time. Millions of people doing even the little things makes a difference.
- Know the source of your drinking water—the river, lake, or aquifer that supplies your home. Once you know it, you’ll care about it. You just won’t want to waste water. (Find out more about your water sources with the EPA's "Surf Your Watershed" interactive.)
Freshwater Videos
More About Freshwater
-
The Freshwater Crisis
The world's freshwater resources play a crucial role in feeding, powering, and sustaining all life, but they're not infinite—or invulnerable. Learn what's at stake.
-
A Freshwater Story Interactive
Earth is a water wealthy planet, but only a tiny portion of its water is available to support people and aquatic species. Learn more about how much freshwater there is, and where it's found.
-
Written in Water: Honest Hope
Read National Geographic's Freshwater Fellow and Director of the Global Water Policy Project, Sandra Postel's essay on the essential role water plays in our world.
-
The Hidden Water We Use
Find out how much water it really takes to support your lifestyle.
Freshwater News
- Blog: How to Fix the Colorado River?
- Blog: Texas Moves to Save Critical Groundwater
- Reclaimed Wastewater for Drinking
- Fate of the Mighty Mississippi
- Blog: "Sewer Mining" Recycles Waste Water
- Cajun Crayfish Invading Africa
- 8 Rivers Run Dry from Overuse
- Video: Dramatic Dam Removal Explained
- Blog: The Water Costs of the Choices We Make
- Melting Glaciers Mean Less Water
- Africa Must Adapt to Drought
- Visualizing Our Global Water Footprint
- Real Christmas Trees Save Water
- Blog: Fate of Mekong Hangs in Balance
- Blog: Australia's Bold Plan to Save a Dying River
- Dams and Climate Change
- India Targets Ganges Pollution
- Blog: Keystone XL, Clean Water, and Democracy
- 13 Scariest Freshwater Animals
- Spectacular Time Lapse Dam "Removal"
- Climate Change Halves Mayfly Lives
- Salmon Fishers Fight Proposed Mine
- Bulldozers Tear Into Big Washington Dams
- Will Tar Sands Pipeline Threaten Groundwater?
- Blog: Fire and Rain
Your Water IQ
Environment Photos
Why Care About Water?
The National Geographic Society’s freshwater initiative is a multi-year global effort to inspire and empower individuals and communities to conserve freshwater and the extraordinary diversity of life that rivers, lakes, and wetlands sustain.
Freshwater Advocates
-
Sandra Postel
Sandra is a leading authority on international freshwater issues and is spearheading our global freshwater initiative.
-
Shannon Switzer
Shannon Switzer is an inspring young photographer and conservationist.
-
Zeb Hogan
Zeb travels to the most endangered freshwater ecosystems striving to save critically endangered fish.
Advertisement
Green Living Hot Topics
-
How to Fix the Colorado River?
Several government agencies are working together to restore the West's vital lifeline.
-
Texas Moves to Save Critical Groundwater
Ogallala Aquifer has dropped as much as 150 feet.
-
"Sewer Mining" Recycles Waste Water
A golf course in dry Australia shows how water can be reclaimed efficiently.
Freshwater Advocates
-
Conserve Resources
National Geographic Kids: Find out how you can save water!
-
Written in Water
Read a collection of essays authored by heroes and leaders in the field of water solutions and innovations.
-
Eco Rescue: Rivers Game
Challenge yourself to the limit in this extreme river cleanup game.
Special Ad Section
The World's Water
-
Amazon Headwaters
Help protect this watershed—for the species that live there and the livelihoods that depend on it.
-
Cambodia's Crocodiles
Help give the endangered Siamese croc a fighting chance by combating hunting and habitat loss.
