27 Water Usage Statistics and Facts to Know in 2024
Water usage is something most people rarely think about as long as it flows freely from the tap. However, it has a huge impact on our daily lives, finances, and the environment. Being familiar with water usage statistics can increase your overall awareness of water scarcity and the importance of water conservation.
In this article, Mr. Rooter Plumbing explores 25 water usage statistics and facts you need to know in 2024.
- Only about 1.2 percent can be used as drinking water.
- We use more than 4 trillion cubic meters of freshwater globally every year.
- Agriculture is the largest consumer of freshwater globally, accounting for about 70% of total freshwater withdrawals.
- Industry accounts for 20% of global water withdrawals, while domestic use accounts for nearly 10%.
- According to UNICEF, over two billion people live without access to safe water.
- The United Nations estimates that about 40% of the world’s population.
- The average U.S. residence uses over 100,000 gallons every year.
- The average U.S. family spends more than $1,000 per year on water costs.
- Household water leaks can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water per year. If you notice signs of leaks in your home, do not hesitate to contact a reputable plumbing repair service.
- A leaky faucet can waste up to 20 gallons of water per month.
- A showerhead that drips ten times a minute wastes up to 40 gallons of water per month.
- Fixing plumbing leaks can save homeowners more than 10 percent on their water bills.
- Installing a low-flow showerhead can save up to 2,500 gallons of water per year.
- Reducing shower time by just one minute could save about 75 gallons a month.
- Fixing leaky toilets can save homeowners up to 13,000 gallons of water. Reach out to a skilled plumber in Flower Mound as soon as you notice signs of a toilet leak to prevent water waste.
- The average person uses 89—100 gallons per day, and the average family in the U.S. uses more than 300 gallons of water per day.
- Toilet flushing accounts for nearly 30% of residential water use.
- According to the EPA, watering lawns accounts for about 30% of residential outdoor water use.
- The average top-loading machine with agitator uses about 19 gallons of water per load, while a high-efficiency top-loading washing machine uses 13 gallons of water per load.
- The average dishwasher uses about six gallons of water per load.
- A full bathtub requires about 70 gallons of water.
- The average shower uses about 17.2 gallons at an average flow rate of 2.1 gallons per minute (gpm).
- High-efficiency toilets use 1.6 gallons per flush while older toilets use 7 gallons per flush. If you still have an older toilet, call a skilled plumber to install a water-saving toilet.
- Toilets account for nearly one-third (30 percent) of an average home’s indoor water consumption.
- Showers account for about 17% of residential water use.
- You use about 4 gallons of water if you leave the water running while brushing your teeth.
- Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and more frequent droughts are impacting water availability worldwide.
By being aware of water usage, we can implement strategies to reduce consumption and protect this vital resource.
Need Plumbing Help? Reach Out To Mr. Rooter Plumbing
If you’re looking for a reliable plumbing service, get in touch with Mr. Rooter Plumbing. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including leak detection, water leak repair, fixture repair, and more.