Safe drinking-water, sanitation, and hygiene are crucial to human health and well-being.” Drinking unsafe water harms health through illness such as diarrhea. Untreated diarrhea can contaminate groundwater and surface waters used for drinkingwater, which can make drinking water even more unsafe (WHO, b). Some 829,000 people are estimated to die each year from diarrhea as a result of unsafe drinking-water, sanitation, and hand hygiene. Yet diarrhea is largely preventable, and the deaths of 297,000 children aged under five years could be avoided each year if these risk factors were addressed. Where water is not readily available people may decide handwashing is not a priority, thereby adding to the likelihood of diarrhea and other diseases.” Safe and readily available water is important for public health, whether it is used for drinking, domestic use, food production, or recreational purposes (WHO, 2022b). A variety of pathogenic and toxic substances can be found in drinking-water, wastewater, recreational water, and during flooding. This unit discusses many of these substances; however, several are not exclusive to one type of water but can be found in various types. For example, Cryptosporidium is discussed under recreational waters, yet it is also found in contaminated drinking-water, wastewater, and flood water. Additionally, some pathogens are present in both water and food.
How many people die each year from diarrhea due to unsafe drinking water, sanitation, hand hygiene?
829,000
Drinking water
Globally, at least two billion people use a drinkingwater source contaminated with human waste. Microbial contamination of drinking-water as a result of contamination with feces causes the greatest risk to drinking-water safety(WHO, 2022b). In addition to fecal contamination, chemical contamination of water continues to cause a health burden, whether natural in origin such as arsenic and fluoride, or anthropogenic such as nitrate (WHO, b). Although not only found in drinkingwater, the following contaminants are of major concern: cholera, typhoid, arsenic, and nitrates.
Cholera
Basic Information
Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae and remains a global threat to public health. Cholera transmission is closely linked to inadequate access to clean water and sanitation facilities. Researchers have estimated that each year there are 1.3–4.0 million cases of cholera, and 21,000 to 143,000 deaths worldwide due to cholera. The cholera bacterium is usually found in water or in foods that have been contaminated by human waste from a person infected with cholera bacteria. Cholera is most likely to occur and spread in places with inadequate water treatment, poor sanitation, and inadequate hygiene (CDC, 2022b). In cholera endemic countries, an outbreak can be seasonal or irregular and represents a greater than expected number of cases. In a country where cholera does not regularly occur, an outbreak is defined by the occurrence of at least one confirmed case of cholera with evidence of local transmission in an area where there is not usually cholera. Cholera transmission is closely linked to inadequate access to clean water and sanitation facilities (WHO, a).
How is cholera spread?
Ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
Health Effects
Cholera is a very deadly disease that can cause severe acute watery diarrhea. It takes between 12 hours and five days for a person to show symptoms after ingesting contaminated food or water. Cholera affects both children and adults and can kill within hours if untreated. Most people infected with Vibrio cholerae do not develop any symptoms, although the bacteria are present in their feces for 1–10 days after infection and are shed back into the environment, potentially infecting other people. Among people who develop symptoms, the majority have mild or moderate symptoms, while a minority develop acute watery diarrhea with severe dehydration. This can lead to death if left untreated (CDC, 2022b). Cholera infection is often mild or without symptoms, but can be severe. Approximately 1 in 10 people who get sick with cholera will develop severe symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, and leg cramps. In these people, rapid loss of body fluids leads to dehydration and shock.(CDC, 2022b).
Control
Provision of safe water and sanitation is critical to prevent and control the transmission of cholera and other waterborne diseases. Oral cholera vaccines should be used along with improvements in water and sanitation to control cholera outbreaks and for prevention in areas known to be high-risk for cholera (CDC, 2022b). Other ways of avoiding cholera include drinking only bottled, boiled, or chemically treated water and bottled or canned beverages; disinfecting your own water; washing your hands often with soap and clean water, especially before you eat or prepare food and after using the bathroom; and using bottled, boiled, or chemically treated water to wash dishes, brush teeth, wash and prepare food, and make ice (CDC, 2022b).
Typhoid
Basic Information
Typhoid fever is a life-threatening infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. It is usually spread through contaminated food or water. Once Salmonella Typhi bacteria are eaten or drunk, they multiply and spread into the bloodstream. In addition, increasing resistance to antibiotic treatment is making it easier for typhoid to spread through overcrowded populations in cities and inadequate and/or flooded water and sanitation systems. An estimated 11–20 million people get sick from typhoid, and between 128,000 and 161,000 people die from it every year. Improved living conditions and the introduction of antibiotics resulted in a drastic reduction of typhoid fever morbidity and mortality in industrialized countries. In developing areas of Africa, the Americas, South-East Asia and the Western Pacific regions, however, the disease continues to be a public health problem. (WHO, 2018).
How is typhoid spread?
Contaminated food or water.
Health Effects
Symptoms include prolonged high fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and constipation or diarrhea. Some patients may have a rash. Severe cases may lead to serious complications or even death. Typhoid fever can be confirmed through blood testing (WHO, 2018).
Control
Typhoid fever is common in places with poor sanitation and a lack of safe drinkingwater. Access to safe water and adequate sanitation, hygiene among food handlers and typhoid vaccination are all effective in preventing typhoid fever. All travelers to endemic areas are at potential risk of typhoid fever, although the risk is generally low in tourist and business centers where standards of accommodation, sanitation and food hygiene are high. Typhoid fever vaccination should be offered to travelers to destinations where the risk of typhoid fever is high (WHO, 2018).
Where is typhoid fever most commonly found?
Places with poor sanitation and a lack of safe drinking water.
Arsenic
Basic information
Arsenic is a natural component of the Earth’s crust and is widely distributed throughout the environment in the air, water, and land. It is highly toxic in its inorganic form. People are exposed to elevated levels of inorganic arsenic through drinking contaminated water, using contaminated water in food preparation and irrigation of food crops. The greatest threat to public health from arsenic originates from contaminated groundwater. Inorganic arsenic is naturally present at high levels in the groundwater of several countries, including Argentina, Bangladesh, Chile, China, India, Mexico, and the United States of America. The sources of exposure are drinking-water, crops irrigated with contaminated water, and food prepared with contaminated water. Inorganic arsenic is a confirmed carcinogen and is the most significant chemical contaminant in drinking-water globally. Arsenic can also occur in an organic form. Inorganic arsenic compounds (such as those found in water) are highly toxic, while organic arsenic compounds (such as those found in seafood) are less harmful to health. It is now recognized that at least 140 million people in 50 countries have been drinking water containing arsenic at levels above the WHO provisional guideline value of 10 μg/L (WHO, 2022a).
What are the sources of exposure to arsenic?
Drinking-water, crops irrigated with contaminated water and food prepared with contaminated water.
Health Effects
The immediate symptoms of acute arsenic poisoning include vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. These are followed by numbness and tingling of the extremities, muscle cramping, and even death in extreme cases. Long-term exposure to inorganic arsenic, mainly through drinking-water and food, can lead to chronic arsenic poisoning. Skin lesions and skin cancer are the most characteristic effects. The first symptoms of long-term exposure to high levels of inorganic arsenic are usually observed in the skin, and include pigmentation changes, skin lesions, and hard patches on the palms and soles of the feet (hyperkeratosis). These occur after a minimum exposure of approximately five years, and may be a precursor to skin cancer. In addition to skin cancer, long-term exposure to arsenic may also cause cancers of the bladder and lungs. Other adverse health effects that may be associated with long-term ingestion of inorganic arsenic include developmental effects, diabetes, pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular disease (WHO, 2022a).
Control
The most important action in affected communities is the prevention of further exposure to arsenic by the provision of a safe water supply for drinking, food preparation, and irrigation of food crops. There are a number of options to reduce levels of arsenic in drinking-water. Replace high-arsenic sources—such as groundwater—with low-arsenic, microbiologically safe sources such as rainwater and treated surface water. Low-arsenic water can be used for drinking, cooking, and irrigation purposes, whereas high-arsenic water can be used for other purposes such as bathing and washing clothes. Blend low-arsenic water with higher-arsenic water to achieve an acceptable arsenic concentration level. Install arsenic removal systems—either centralized or domestic—and ensure the appropriate disposal of the removed arsenic. Technologies for arsenic removal include oxidation, coagulation-precipitation, absorption, ion exchange, and membrane techniques. Education and community engagement are also key factors for ensuring successful interventions. There is a need for community members to understand the risks of high arsenic exposure and the sources of arsenic exposure, including the intake of arsenic by crops (e.g. rice) from irrigation water and the intake of arsenic into food from cooking water (WHO, 2022a)
What is the most important action that communities affected by arsenic exposure can take?
Provision of a safe water supply for drinking, food preparation and irrigation of food crops.
Nitrate/Nitrite
Basic Information
Nitrate and nitrite are two nitrogen compounds that are needed by plants and animals to live and grow. They occur naturally in soil, water, and air. Nitrate and nitrite are also made in the body. In industry, the majority of nitrate is used as fertilizers for crops or lawns. Nitrate and nitrite are also used in food preservation, some pharmaceutical drugs, and in the production of munitions and explosives. The use of fertilizers and waste from animals adds to the amount of nitrate in the environment. Drinkingwater from wells containing nitrate from sources such as animal waste and/or fertilizer runoff and eating plants grown in contaminated soil will increase your exposure to these chemicals. Most people are not exposed to levels that would cause health problems (ATSDR, 2017).
Health Effects
Some people who eat food or drink fluids that contain unusually high levels of nitrite experience methemoglobinemia (decreased ability of the blood to carry oxygen to tissues). Symptoms people experience include decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate, headaches, abdominal cramps, and vomiting; while some died. In animal studies, changes in thyroid function were seen in rats that were fed or drank high levels of nitrate or nitrite. Problems have been found in young infants (less than six months of age) who drank formula made with water having higher-than-recommended nitrate levels (ATSDR, 2017). Those children can experience a condition called “blue baby syndrome.” Blue baby syndrome is acondition where a baby's skin turns blue. This happens when there is not enough oxygen in the blood(Wisconsin, 2023).
What can happen to people who eat food or drink fluids that contain unusually high levels of nitrite?
They can experience methemoglobinemia which is a decreased ability of the blood to carry oxygen to tissues.
Control
Consider eating less of those foods that contain high levels of nitrate or nitrite, especially infants and small children. If you live near an agricultural field and use well water, have your water tested for nitrate and nitrite and, if necessary, take the needed steps to protect yourself. Keep children from playing in areas where fertilizers are applied (ATSDR, 2017).
Wastewater
Due to population growth, accelerated urbanization, and economic development, the quantity of wastewater being generated and its overall pollution load are increasing globally. Globally, 44% of household wastewater is not safely treated. Untreated wastewater in cities is a major issue. In poorer urban areas, a large proportion of wastewater is discharged untreated directly into the closest drainage channel or water body (United Nations, a ).Although not only found in wastewater, exposure to helminths, viruses, and bacteria are of major concern. This section will review ascariasis, hookworm, hepatitis and shigellosis.
Ascariasis
Basic Information
An estimated 807 million to 1.2 billion people in the world are infected with Ascaris lumbricoides (CDC, 2020a). Ascaris is an intestinal parasite of humans. It is the most common human worm infection. The larvae and adult worms live in the small intestine and can cause intestinal disease. Ascaris eggs are passed in the feces of infected persons. If the infected person defecates outside (near bushes, in a garden, or field), or if the feces of an infected person is used as fertilizer, then eggs are deposited on the soil. They can then mature into a form that is infectious. Ascariasis is caused by ingesting infective eggs (CDC, 2020a).
Health Effects
People with ascariasis often show no symptoms. If symptoms occur, they can be light. Symptoms include abdominal discomfort or pain. Heavy infections can block the intestines and slow growth in children. Other symptoms such as a cough are due to migration of the worms through the body (Prevention, 2019).
Control
Avoid contact with soil that may be contaminated with human feces, including with human fecal matter used to fertilize crops. Wash your hands with soap and warm water before handling food. Teach children the importance of washing hands to prevent infection. Wash, peel, or cook all raw vegetables and fruits before eating, particularly those that have been grown in soil that has been fertilized with manure.
Transmission of infection to others can be prevented by not defecating outdoors, and by effective sewage disposal systems (CDC, 2020a).
What is important to teach children to prevent ascariasis infection?
The importance of washing hands to prevent infection. Also wash, peel, or cook all raw vegetables before eating, especially those that have been grown in soil that has been fertilized.
Hookworm
Basic Information
An estimated 576-740 million people in the world are infected with hookworm. Hookworms live in the small intestine. Hookworm eggs are passed in the feces of an infected person. If the infected person defecates outside (near bushes, in a garden, or field) or if the feces of an infected person is used as fertilizer, eggs are deposited on soil. They can then mature and hatch, releasing larvae (immature worms). The larvae mature into a form that can penetrate the skin of humans. Hookworm infection is mainly acquired by walking barefoot on contaminated soil(CDC, 2022f).
How is hookworm infection mainly acquired?
Walking barefoot on contaminated soil.
Health Effects
Most people infected with hookworms have no symptoms. Some have gastrointestinal symptoms, especially persons who are infected for the first time. The most serious effects of hookworm infection are blood loss leading to anemia, in addition to protein loss (CDC, 2022f). High-intensity hookworm infections occur among both school-age children and adults. High-intensity infections with these worms are less common among adults. The most serious effects of hookworm infection are the development of anemia and protein deficiency caused by blood loss at the site of the intestinal attachment of the adult worms. When children are continuously infected by many worms, the loss of iron and protein can slow growth and mental development (CDC, 2013a).
Control
The best way to avoid hookworm infection is not to walk barefoot in areas where hookworm is common and where there may be human fecal contamination of the soil. Also, avoid other skin contact with such soil and avoid ingesting it. Infection can also be prevented by not defecating outdoors and by effective sewage disposal systems (CDC, 2013b).
Hepatitis A
Basic Information
Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). The virus is primarily spread when an uninfected (and unvaccinated) person ingests food or water that is contaminated with the feces of an infected person. The disease is closely associated with unsafe water or food, inadequate sanitation, and poor personal hygiene. WHO estimates that in 2016, 7,134 persons died from hepatitis A worldwide. Hepatitis A viruses persist in the environment and can withstand food production processes routinely used to inactivate or control bacterial pathogens. Infection is common in low and middle-income countries with poor sanitary conditions and hygienic practices, and most children (90%) have been infected with the hepatitis A virus before the age of 10 years, most often without symptoms. Infection rates are low in high-income countries with good sanitary and hygienic conditions. The hepatitis A virus is transmitted primarily by the fecal-oral route; however, waterborne outbreaks, though infrequent, are usually associated with sewage-contaminated or inadequately treated water(WHO, 2022c).
Health Effects
Symptoms of hepatitis A range from mild to severe and can include fever, malaise, loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark-colored urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin). Not everyone who is infected will have all the symptoms, and adults have signs and symptoms of illness more often than children. The severity of disease and deadly outcomes are higher in older age groups. Infected children under six years of age do not usually experience noticeable symptoms, and only 10% develop jaundice. Hepatitis A sometimes relapses, meaning the person who just recovered could fall sick again with another acute episode. This is normally followed by recovery. Unlike hepatitis B and C, hepatitis A does not cause chronic liver disease, but it can cause debilitating symptoms and rarely fulminant hepatitis (acute liver failure), which is often deadly. The incubation period of hepatitis A is usually 14–28 days (WHO, 2022c).
Control
Improved sanitation, food safety, and immunization are the most effective ways to combat hepatitis A. The spread of hepatitis A can be reduced with adequate supplies of safe drinking-water, proper disposal of sewage within communities, and personal hygiene practices such as regular hand washing before meals and after going to the bathroom. Several injectable inactivated hepatitis A vaccines are available globally. All provide similar protection from the virus and have comparable side effects. No vaccine is licensed for children younger than one year of age (WHO, 2022c).
What are the most effective ways to prevent hepatitis A?
Improved sanitation, food safety and immunization.
Shigella
Basic Information
Shigella bacteria cause an infection called shigellosis.Shigella causes an estimated 450,000 infections in the United States each year. Shigella spreads easily; it takes just a small number of bacteria to make someone ill.People with a Shigella infection can spread the infection to others for several weeks after their diarrhea ends. You can get infected by swallowing Shigella, changing the diaper of a child with a Shigella infection, taking care of a person with an infection—including cleaning up after the person uses the toilet—eating food prepared by someone with a Shigella infection, swallowing recreational watersuch as lake water or poorly treated swimming pool water, and swallowing contaminated drinking-water such as water from a well that’s been contaminated with sewage or flood water (CDC, 2020b).
Health Effects
Most people with Shigella infection experience diarrhea that can be bloody, fever, stomach pain, and feeling the need to pass stool (poop) even when the bowels are empty. Symptoms usually start 1–2 days after infection and last 7 days. In some cases, bowel habits (frequency and consistency of stool) do not return to normal for several months (CDC, 2020b).
Control
Carefully wash your hands with soap and water during key times: before preparing food and eating, and after changing a diaper or helping to clean another person who has defecated . If you care for a child in diapers who has shigellosis, promptly throw away the soiled diapers in a covered, lined garbage can. Wash your hands and the child’s hands carefully with soap and water right after changing the diapers. Clean up any leaks or spills of diaper contents immediately. Avoid swallowing water from ponds, lakes, or untreated swimming pools. When traveling internationally, stick to safe eating and drinking habits, and wash hands often with soap and water (CDC, 2020b).
Recreational Water
Swimming-related illnesses are diseases that people can get from the water in which they swim and play—like swimming pools, hot tubs and spas, splash pads, or oceans, lakes, and rivers—if the water is contaminated with germs. The most common symptoms are diarrhea, skin rashes, ear pain, cough or congestion, and eye pain. The most common swimming-related illness is diarrhea. Swallowing even a tiny bit of water contaminated with germs from poop can cause diarrheal illness. Diarrheal illnesses can be caused by germs such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Shigella, norovirus, and E. coli. People typically have about 0.14 grams of poop on their bodies at any given time. This poop can wash off swimmers’ bodies and contaminate the water with germs (CDC, 2022c).
Although not only found in recreational water, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Swimmer's ear are of major concern in recreational areas.
Cryptosporidium
Basic Information
Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite that causes the diarrheal disease cryptosporidiosis. Both the parasite and the disease are commonly known as “crypto.” There are many species of Cryptosporidium that infect animals, some of which also infect humans. The parasite is protected by an outer shell that allows it to survive outside the body for long periods of time and makes it very tolerant to chlorine disinfection. While this parasite can be spread in several different ways, water (drinking-water and recreational water) is the most common way to spread the parasite. Cryptosporidium is a leading cause of waterborne disease among humans in the United States (CDC, 2019b).
What is the most common way to spread the cryptosporidium parasite?
Drinking water and recreational water.
Health Effects
Symptoms of cryptosporidiosis generally begin 2–10 days (average seven days) after becoming infected with the parasite. The most common symptom of cryptosporidiosis is watery diarrhea. Other symptoms include stomach cramps or pain, dehydration, nausea, vomiting, fever, and weight loss. Some people with crypto will have no symptoms at all. Symptoms usually last about 1–2 weeks. People with weakened immune systems may develop serious, chronic, and sometimes deadly illnesses(CDC, 2021a).
Control
Do not swim or let kids swim if sick with diarrhea. If Crypto is diagnosed, wait two weeks after diarrhea has stopped to go swimming. Do not intentionally swallow the water. Take young children on bathroom breaks or check their diapers every 60 minutes. Do not drink untreated water or use untreated ice from lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, streams, or shallow wells (CDC, 2019a).
Giardia
Basic Information
Giardia is a tiny parasite (germ) that causes the diarrheal disease giardiasis. Giardia is found on surfaces or in soil, food, or water that has been contaminated with feces from infected people or animals. You can get giardiasis if you swallow Giardia germs. Giardia spreads easily and can spread from person to person or through contaminated water, food, surfaces, or objects. The most common way people get sick is by swallowing contaminated drinking-water or recreational water (for example, lakes, rivers, or pools) (CDC, 2022e).
Health Effects
Giardia can be found in every region of the United States and around the world. Some people with giardiasis have no symptoms at all. If signs and symptoms develop, they may vary and usually begin 1–2 weeks after becoming infected with Giardia. Short-term symptoms include: diarrhea, gas, foul-smelling, greasy stools (poop) that tend to float, stomach cramps or pain, upset stomach or nausea, vomiting, and dehydration (loss of fluids). Symptoms of giardiasis generally begin by having 2–5 loose stools per day, with progressively increasing fatigue. Other, less common symptoms include fever, itchy skin, hives, and swelling of the eyes and joints (CDC, 2021b).
Control
Giardia germs spread easily from one person to another; just a small amount of Giardia germs can make someone sick. Because the Giardia germs are in human waste, anything that gets contaminated by human waste can potentially spread the germs. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially during key times when you are likely to spread germs. Do not intentionally swallow the water. Do not swim or let kids swim if sick with diarrhea. Shower before you get in the water. Take young children on frequent bathroom breaks or check diapers every hour(CDC, 2021c).
Swimmer’s Ear
Basic Information
Swimmer’s ear (also known as otitis externa) is a bacterial infection typically caused by water that stays in the outer ear canal for a long period of time, providing a moist environment for bacteria to grow. Anyone can get swimmer’s ear, but it is most often seen in children. Swimmer’s ear cannot be spread from one person to another(CDC, 2022d).
What causes swimmer's ear?
Bacterial infection caused by water that stays in the outer ear canal for a long period of time.
Health Effects
Signs and symptoms of swimmer’s ear include pain when the outer ear is tugged or when pressure is put on the part of the outer ear that sticks out in front of the ear canal, itchiness inside the ear, drainage from the ear or redness and swelling in the ear (CDC, 2022d).
Control
To prevent swimmer’s ear: keep ears as dry as possible and use a bathing cap, ear plugs, or custom-fitted swim molds when swimming. Dry ears thoroughly after swimming or showering, use a towel to dry ears well, tilt head back and forth so that each ear faces down to allow water to escape the ear canal, and pull the earlobe in different directions when ear faces down to help water drain out. If there is still water in the ear, consider using a hair dryer to move air within the ear canal. Put the hair dryer on the lowest heat and speed/fan setting. Hold the hair dryer several inches from the ear (CDC, 2022d).
Flood Waters
Basic Information
Flood waters contain many things that may harm health. We don’t know exactly what is in flood water at any given point in time. Flood water can contain downed power lines, human and livestock waste, household, medical, and industrial hazardous waste (chemical, biological, and radiological), coal ash waste that can contain carcinogenic compounds such as arsenic, chromium, and mercury, and other contaminants that can lead to illness(CDC, 2022a).
What are some of the harmful things floodwaters can contain?
Downed power lines, human and livestock waste, household, medical, and industrial hazardous waste (chemical, biological, and radiological), coal ash waste that can contain carcinogenic compounds such as arsenic, chromium, and mercury, and other contaminants that can lead to illness.
Health Effects
Exposure to contaminated flood water can cause wound infections, skin rash, gastrointestinal illness, and tetanus (CDC, 2022a).
Control
It is important to protect yourself from exposure to flood water regardless of the source of contamination. The best way to protect yourself is to stay out of the water. If you come in contact with flood water, wash the area with soap and clean water as soon as possible. If you don’t have soap or water, use alcohol-based wipes or sanitizer. Take care of wounds and seek medical attention if necessary. Wash clothes contaminated with flood or sewage water in hot water and detergent before reusing them. If you must enter flood water, wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles (CDC, 2022a).
Additional Information On Water
In addition to contaminated water, there is the increasing issue of water scarcity. Water can be scarce for many reasons: demand for water may be exceeding supply, water infrastructure may be inadequate, or institutions may be failing to balance everyone’s needs. Water scarcity is an increasing problem on every continent, with poorer communities most badly affected (United Nations, b ).2.3 billion people live in water-stressed countries, of which 733 million live in high and critically water-stressed countries (United Nations - Water, 2021). In the United States,at least 40 states anticipate water shortages by 2024. The need to conserve water is critical (EPA, a).
Personal Water Use
Personal water use per day varies throughout the world. It can be an interesting and informative activity to monitor the amount of water you use on an average day and compare it to the figures in the CDC infographic to the right. Some of the main personal uses of water include water for brushing teeth and shaving, showers and baths, toilets, and washing dishes. In order to calculate your personal water use, keep track of how many times a day you participate in those activities. Also keep track of how long you spend at each of those activities. Use the Personal Water Use Chart to estimate how much water is used during each activity then add up your total water use. In that chart, old means before 1994 and new is after1994 while gpm means gallons per minute and g is gallons.
Example: After keeping a journal for a day, you collected the following information.
Your house was built in 1986 and none of the fixtures, faucets, or appliances have been upgraded. You started off the morning by brushing your teeth for three minutes followed by taking a seven minute shower. During the day you went to the bathroom twice and flushed the toilet and then washed your hands each time. You also hand-washed a load of dishes. In the evening you brushed your teeth again before going to sleep
Calculate your personal water use.
A. Brush teeth twice, letting the water run for three minutes each time with an old faucet.
The chart gives three gpm for letting the water run.
2 (times) x 3 (minutes) x 3 (gpm)
12 total gallons
B.Took a seven-minute shower in an old shower.
1 (time) x 7(minutes) x 5 (gpm)
35 total gallons
C.Flushing normal toilet
2 (times) x 5 (g)
10 total gallons
D.Hand washing after using the toilet. 30 seconds per handwashing
This uses the same rate as teeth brushing.
2 (times) x 0.5 minutes x 3 (gpm)
3 total gallons
E.Handwashing a load of laundry
1 (time) x 20 (g)
20 total gallons
Daily personal use is A+B+C+C+D+E
12+35+10+3+20 = 80 gallons of personal water use per day.
Personal Water Conservation
While governments can implement policy on the national level and encourage large companies and organizations to conserve water, much can be accomplished by water conservation on the individual level. There are four areas where an individual can make a difference: leaks, the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry.
What are four areas where an individual can make a difference in water conservation?
Leaks, bathroom, kitchen, and laundry.
Small household leaks can add up to gallons of water lost every day. It is recommended to check plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems each year and repair them (EPA, b). The average family in the United States can waste 180 gallons per week, or 9,400 gallons of water annually, from household leaks(EPA, c).
Half of all water use inside a home takes place in the bathroom. To conserve water in the bathroom you canturn off the tap while shaving or brushing teeth (EPA, b). Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can save eight gallons of water per day and while shaving, can save 10 gallons of water per shave. Assuming you brush your teeth twice daily and shave five times per week, you could save nearly 5,700 gallons per year (EPA, c). Showers use less water than baths, as long as you keep an eye on how long you've been lathering up (EPA, b).
Water can be conserved in the kitchen by plugging up the sink or using a wash basin if washing dishes by hand (EPA, b). Letting your faucet run for five minutes while washing dishes can waste 10 gallons of water (EPA, c). If using a dishwasher, make sure it's fully loaded. Scrape your plate instead of rinsing it before loading it into the dishwasher (EPA, b). Running the dishwasher only when it's full can eliminate one load of dishes per week and save the average family nearly 320 gallons of water annually (EPA, c). Keep a pitcher of drinking-water in the refrigerator instead of letting the faucet run until the water is cool. Thaw foods in the refrigerator overnight rather than using a running tap of hot water. Add food wastes to your compost pile instead of using the garbage disposal (EPA, b).
When in the laundry room, wash only full loads of laundry or use the appropriate water level or load size selection on the washing machine. To save money on your energy bills, set your washing machine to use cold water rather than hot or warm water (EPA, b).
