Sacred Water

The US Geological Survey has released a report that states that the United States used less water in 2005 than it did in peak usage years from 1975-1980.  This information, released in a report entitled "Estimated Use of Water in the United States in 2005" is great news. 

The main reasons for the decline come from increased efficiency in industrial uses and irrigation.  However, public water withdrawals have been increasing steadily since 1950, as has the percentage of our population that is serviced by public water systems.  Public water withdrawals include indoor and outdoor residential uses such as drinking water, sanitation, and lawn watering.

Domestic water use is an area where we can all make a difference.  The tips are simple, but can go a long way:

• Take shorter showers.
• Plant grasses and other plants native to your area that will not need extra watering.
• Install a rain barrel to catch rain to use for watering gardens.
• Only run the laundry and dishwasher when you have a full load.
• Don't run the water while you brush your teeth.  (You can save 8 gallons of water per day.)

Read more ideas for saving water.

Recently the Festival of Faiths in Louisville focused on Sacred Water.  View the interfaith booklet, "Sacred Water, Sustaining Life," from the festival.