Ever wonder how water makes it up to your top floor apartment? This is something that most of us don’t think twice about because we’re lucky enough to turn on the faucet and its just there. Well not only does it takes hundreds of energy sucking pumps to get us the water we need, but it is in fact one of the highest uses of energy in the United States. According to a 2005 California Energy Commission report (pdf), about 25 % of America’s electricity goes to moving and treating water!

But this can actually vary greatly by state. Water distribution is the most energy-intensive in a lot of the dry states. One of the most water indulgent states appears to be Utah. The water consumption average there is 250 gallons, with 60% of all water consumed going for yard irrigation!!

Now hopefully you’re not living in Utah with your massive sprinkler system going on all hours of the day. Every gallon of water that you do not use represents a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. There are many things you can do to reduce your footprint with smart water choices. Check out our Live Earth water saving tips at http://liveearth.org/save/water

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