Although almost 80 percent of Earth is covered with water, only 3 percent of the planet's water resources represent fresh water. Less than 1 percent of all water is available for human consumption; the rest is salty ocean water, or freshwater that is bound up in glaciers and polar ice caps. Of the water available to humans, animals, and plants, only a tiny fraction is used as drinking water. Most of what is consumed is used to create electricity, grow crops, run factories, and for household and sanitation needs.

The problem is local as well as global. In the desert Southwest, drought combined with depleted stores of groundwater and burgeoning Sunbelt populations are putting unprecedented strains on the water supply. Water is in demand for a myriad of uses: recreational, mining and industry, fishing, irrigation, and riparian habitat preservation, among others. In the U.S., almost 100 gallons per day of drinking water are used per capita.

Why should you conserve water?

There are many good reasons to conserve water.

• Water conservation can help meet future needs.
• Saving water will save you money.
• Water is a precious resource!
• Water conservation helps preserve the environment.

Although water conservation helps, some people have misconceptions about what water conservation can and can't do. For tips on ways that you can conserve water in your daily actions, click here.

If we all work together to conserve water, we can help assure a bright and prosperous life for future generations. Become an advocate of conservation in our community. Help promote conservation as a wise and important water management principle.

For great information and tips on conserving water in our area, visit the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District to learn about Water Wise Landscaping techniques, drought tolerant plants or to find information on how to pick up a free low-flow shower head or garden sprinkler!