Water conservation, using water efficiently and avoiding waste, is essential to ensure that we have adequate water today and into the future.  Water is a finite resource and it is up to all of us to use the water we have wisely. In addition rainwater that runs off of our yards and streets flows into storm drains and from there into streams, rivers and lakes such as the Beechfork River and Sympson Lake where we get our drinking water from. Any pollutants such as litter, oil or other chemicals, it picks up along the way may pollute these sources of water. This adds additional expense to customers for the treatment to make the water safe to drink.

Make conserving and protecting water a daily part of your life. And remember when you save water and keep pollutants out of stormwater, you save energy and money!

Polluted stormwater degrades our lake, rivers, wetlands and other waterways. Nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen can cause the overgrowth of algae resulting in oxygen depletion in waterways. Toxic substances from motor vehicles and careless application of pesticides and fertilizers threaten water quality and can kill fish and other aquatic life. Bacteria from animal wastes and improper connections to storm sewer systems can make lakes and waterways unsafe for wading, swimming and fish consumption. Eroded soil is a pollutant as well. It clouds the waterway and interferes with the habitat of fish and plant life.

Water Conservation Facts

• Of all the earth's water, 97% is salt water found in oceans and seas. Less than 2% of the Earth’s water supply is fresh water and only 1% is available for drinking water.

• The human body is about 75% water.

• The average American uses 140-170 gallons of water per day. An average family of four uses 881 gallons of water per week just by flushing the toilet.

• It takes 3.3 acre feet of water to grow enough food for an average family for a year.