There are many practical strategies that you can adopt to significantly reduce your water and energy use, cut carbon emissions and save money on utility bills.

Many of us have never thought about the energy and carbon emissions embedded in our drinking water, but they are far from insignificant. In California (PDF 1MB), water utilities consume 19% of the state's electricity, 30% of its natural gas, and 88 billion gallons of diesel fuel each year just to provide and treat drinking water for the State's growing population.

The United States uses massive amounts of energy to distribute, treat and heat water. Overall, water-related energy consumption adds up to over 360 billion kilowatt hours a year -- the equivalent of approximately 100 coal fired power plants -- and contributes over 480 billion pounds of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

Photo by Murtaza Bravo

Every one of us can help reduce the amount of water and energy we waste. One recent study by the Natural Resources Defense Council found that the best way to reduce water-related energy consumption is through conservation and efficiency in our homes and workplaces. Since outdoor water use averages around 50% of all treated drinking water use in much of the country--and up to 80% in more arid regions--water conservation strategies should include both indoor and outdoor water use. Click below to see how you can start saving water and energy.

• Indoors
• Outdoors

Test your water sense! To visit the EPA's WaterSense website where you can play a fun game and learn about water efficiency, click here.

For excellent information on water conservation and tips you can use around the house, visit the American Water Works Association's Drinktap website by clicking here.