Why Water Efficiency?

Water efficiency is cost-effective.

Water efficiency costs $0.46 to $250 per 1000 gallons saved, while dams can cost $4000 per 1000 gallons of capacity — and dams cost even more if you include maintenance and operations costs. By committing to water efficiency, Boston, Massachusetts was able to grow its customer base by 2 million people, reduce its water consumption by one-third and save $500 million by eliminating the need to build a dam.

Water efficiency is proven and tested.

Many communities facing dwindling water supplies have implemented measures to use water more efficiently and cost effectively. Boston, Massachussets reduced its water consumption by a third, to 1911 levels, and avoided the need to build a $500 million dam.  Cary, North Carolina effectively increased its water supply by 15% in 11 years through water efficiency. Tampa, Florida increased its per capita water supply by 26% over 12 years. These savings equal “new” supply. This increased supply came from using less, leaving more in the tank to use at a later date. This saved water can be kept in the river to benefit the community in other ways as well, such as protecting fish and wildlife and enhancing recreational opportunities. 

Water efficiency efforts can take time to implement, but much less time than dams and other large scale infrastructure. Between 2003 and 2008 Metro Atlanta’s Cobb County maintained its 65 MGD consumption through water efficiency despite a 10% increase in service population totaling 42,000 people.21 With each person consuming an average 125 gallons per day, Cobb Water would have needed to secure 5.25 million gallons more a day of “new” supply or an 8% increase in water supply. They wisely chose to secure this supply through efficiency.

Water efficiency gets immediate results.

Water savings can happen right now. Across the country it has been demonstrated that the technology exists to be more efficient with this precious resource and it’s getting easier every day. Experience in many U.S. cities has shown that water efficiency investments can achieve results in months.