If all the world’s water were to fit into a gallon jug, the amount of freshwater would be just one table-spoon full. Yet almost half of our nation’s 3.6 million miles of rivers and streams are threatened or impaired.

Here are things you can do today to protect and improve the quality of the rivers close to you:

• Collect rainwater from your gutters by placing barrels or containers at the end of each gutter. You can store this water and use it to water your garden or other landscaping.
• Dispose of oil and other toxic materials properly. One gallon of oil poured down the sewer can contaminate one million gallons of fresh water.
• Install low-flow shower heads and sink spigots which can be purchased at your local hardware store. Or contact your water utility company to find out if they distribute these devices for free. Low-flow shower heads reduce water flow from an average of five gallons per minute down to about two gallons per minute. This can save over 5,400 gallons of water per year.
• Reduce the amount of water your toilet uses by displacing water in the tank. By placing a jar or other closed container full of water into your toilet tank, you will reduce the amount of water used during each flush.
• Water your lawn or garden in the morning or the evening when the water will evaporate less rapidly. Also be sure to adjust sprinklers to avoid watering sidewalks or paved areas.
• Sweep patios and sidewalks rather than hosing them. Hosing wastes water and carries contaminants into rivers.
• Limit pesticide use. Pesticides, including herbicides, are the only substances intentionally introduced into our environment to kill living things. They can be dangerous to people, pets and wildlife and will be carried into our freshwater supply by runoff.
• Landscape with native plants instead of grass to reduce your yard’s water needs. This will also attract wildlife such as birds and butterflies.

Emborozu River, Bolivia © Ivan Arnold

Water Conservation Facts:

• A leaky sink may waste 50 gallons of water in just 24 hours.
• Shower heads average 5 gallons per minute.
• Although farmers use more total pounds of pesticides than homeowners, they use much less per acre.
• One gallon of used motor oil can pollute one million gallons of fresh water.