How Much Water Are You Using?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has stated that the average person unknowingly wastes up to 30 gallons of water each day.  How well do you understand how you are using your own water?  The following test will help you answer that question. Link to test answers at bottom of page.

1.  The average family of 4 uses approximately how many gallons of water per day?

A.  50
B.  100
C.  250
D.  400

2.   How much of the earth’s water is available for people to use every day?

A.  More than 50%
B.  28%
C.  Less than 1%
D.  12%

3.   How much water can you save each day by turning off the water while brushing your teeth in the morning and in the evening?

A.  Up to 2 gallons
B.  Up to 4 gallons
C.  Up to 6 gallons
D.  Up to 8 gallons

4.   Which of the following uses less water?

A.  Taking a 5 minute shower
B.  Taking a bath

5.   In the average home, which of the following wastes the MOST water per day?

A.  Running the water while washing dishes
B.  Using a garbage disposal
C.  A leaky toilet
D.  Long showers

6.   How much water is saved per flush with a high-efficiency toilet?

A.  0.6 to 1.9 gallons
B.  2.2 to 5.7 gallons
C.  More than 6 gallons

7.   On the average, how much water used for irrigating lawns and gardens is wasted due to overwatering and evaporation?

A.  50%
B.  25%
C.  12%
D.  10%

8.   A water efficient irrigation system may include which features?

A.  Drip irrigation
B.  Moisture sensors
C.  Rain shut-off device
D.  All of the above

9.   Which of the following uses less water?

A.  Washing dishes under a running faucet
B.  Washing dishes in a fully loaded automatic dishwasher without pre-rinsing

10. Between 1950 and 2000, the U.S. population grew by 89%; approximately how much has our water use grown during the same period?

A.  200%
B.  100%
C.  50%
D.  25%

11. High efficiency washing machines save about how much water per load when compared with traditional washers?

A.  2-5 gallons
B.  7-10 gallons
C.  11-13 gallons
D.  14 gallons or more

12. Easily corrected household water leaks account for what percentage of the average water bill?

A.  2%
B.  4%
C.  6%
D.  8%

[Click here for answers]