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Water Conservation and
Climate Change
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and
preparing for climate impacts
to water resources
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Climate Master Program
Water Conservation
Water Conservation
& Climate Change:
Key Concepts
 Climate change threatens water resources, impacting species
worldwide
 Water shortages already are, and will continue to be, a
consequence of climate change.
 Water production and home water use consumes energy,
contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
 Changing our water use at home will reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and build resilience to climate change impacts.
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Climate Master Program
Water Conservation
The Climate Change
Water Use Cycle
More
Energy
Used
Higher
Water
Demand
Increased
GHG
Drought, Flood
Higher Temps
Climate
Change
5/6/2017
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Climate Master Program
Water Conservation
Current & Predicted Impacts
on Water Resources
Rivers, lakes and reservoirs are becoming depleted or are
disappearing entirely due to:

Higher winter and summer temperatures

Heat waves and drought

Reduced snowpack

Earlier spring snowmelt

Increased storms occurring in some areas,
resulting in floods and water contamination

As polar ice and glaciers melt, ocean salinity will increase,
ruining coastal aquifers
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Lake Lanier, Georgia drought: March
4th 2007 (left), February 11th 2008
(right). Montage by Brian Hursey (CC)
Climate Master Program
Water Conservation
Impacts to Humans
 Threats to our water supplies, resulting in:
 Water use restrictions
 Higher water, energy, and food costs
 Threats to agriculture – livestock & crops
 Loss of home and livelihood
 Forced evacuations
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Climate Master Program
Water Conservation
Impacts To Animal and Plant life
 Flora and fauna will suffer as
their habitats are decreased or
altered:
 Increased threats to fragile
ecosystems
 Increase in endangered species of
plants and animals
 Increase in species extinction
 Animal migratory and feeding
patterns will change as animals
seek new sources of water and food
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Climate Master Program
Water Conservation
Water Use in the U.S.
Total water withdrawals by category, 2000.
U.S. Geological Survey
How Much Water
Do We Use Indoors?
 The EPA estimates that the average American home
uses 260 gallons of water per day!
 By fixing leaks and using more efficient water fixtures, we
can reduce daily per capita water use by about 35%.
 If one out of every 100 American homes retrofitted with
water-efficient fixtures, we could save about 100 million
kWh of electricity per year and avoid adding 80,000 tons
of greenhouse gas to the atmosphere.
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Climate Master Program
Water Conservation
Indoor Water Use Before & After
Retrofitting
Use
Gallons
% Total
per Capita Daily Use
Gallons per
Capita
% Daily
Total Use
Showers
11.6
16.8%
8.8
19.5%
Washing
Machines
15.0
21.7%
10.0
22.1%
Dishwashers 1.0
1.4%
8.2
18.0%
Toilets
18.5
26.7%
0.7
1.5%
Baths
1.2
1.7%
1.2
2.7%
Leaks
9.5
13.7%
4.0
8.8%
Faucets
10.9
15.7%
10.8
23.95
Other Uses
1.6
2.2%
1.6
3.4%
Total
69.3
100%
45.3
100%
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Climate Master Program
Water Conservation
Ways to Save
Indoors
 Install energy efficient appliances (Energy Star
rated)
 Install low flow faucet aerators and
showerheads
 Take shorter showers
 Repair dripping faucets and leaks
 Install low-flush toilets or displace water in the
tank
 Flush the toilet less
 Turn off water while brushing your teeth &
doing the dishes
 Only wash full loads of laundry and dishes &
use the energy saving options
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Climate Master Program
Water Conservation
Ways to Save
Cont….
 Store drinking water in the fridge vs. running
water until it is cool.
 Defrost food in the refrigerator instead of in
running water.
 Install point of use hot water heaters under sinks
(they produce hot water instantly, so you don’t
waste water waiting for it to heat)
 Compost organic kitchen waste instead of using
the disposal
 Don’t let the water flow while washing dishes by
hand, brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing
your face.
 Wash clothes in cold water
 Don’t pre-rinse your dishes when using the
dishwasher.
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Climate Master Program
Water Conservation
How Much Water
Do We Use Outdoors?
 Average home water use increases
from 260 gallons per day to 1,000
gallons per day in the summer
 Summer water use is two to four
times greater than winter water use
 The typical single-family suburban
household uses at least 30% of
their water for irrigation.
Water Conservation Outdoors
Follow “water smart” design practices:
 Improve the soil: get your soil tested at your local county
extension office & follow an annual turf management plan
 Use native and drought tolerant plants adapted for your area
 Improve your planting beds soil with compost & nutrients that hold water
 Use 2 – 3” of mulch in planting beds to keep soil cool and retain moisture
 Group plants together by water needs so that you don’t waste water on
drought tolerant plants while watering plants that need more water.
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Climate Master Program
Water Conservation
Water Conservation Outdoors
cont…
If you HAVE to water:

Water in the early morning, at the roots

Water deeply and infrequently.

Don’t water in windy conditions

Use an irrigation system with a timer

Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses in planting beds

Use a rain barrel under a gutter

Keep beds free of water hogging weeds
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Climate Master Program
Water Conservation
Conserving Water Outdoors
cont…
 Add shade elements like trees and arbors
 Plant vines to shade southern and
western walls.
 Sweep patios, porches and driveways vs.
using a hose
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Climate Master Program
Water Conservation
TURF TIPS
 Reduce water hungry turf areas by increasing
mulched beds and other landscape features
 Use the right kind of turf for your conditions
 Get your soil tested & follow an annual turf
management plan
 Mow grass 2-3” high
 Replace turf with low growing groundcovers,
mulch, seating areas, vegetable gardens.
 Install an efficient irrigation system with a rain
sensor
 Explore an “eco-lawn” for your area (a mix of
drought tolerant grasses and low perennials
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suited to your growing zone)
Climate Master Program
Water Conservation
More information
Climate Change
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change: http://www.ipcc.ch/
United States Global Research Program:
http://www.globalchange.gov/publications/reports/scientificassessments/us-impacts
EPA: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/effects/water/
Climate Leadership Institute: http://climlead.uoregon.edu/
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Climate Master Program
Water Conservation
More information
Conservation

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Water Sense Program:
http://www.epa.gov/watersense/index.htm

Energy Star: http://www.energystar.gov/

Water – Use it Wisely: http://wateruseitwisely.com/

Native Rain Gardens: http://www.native-raingarden.com/

Ecoturf: http://www.seattle.gov

Contact your water utility for local water conservation tips and water saving incentives.

Contact your County Extension office for local landscape and turf information.
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Climate Master Program
Water Conservation
Acknowledgements
Created by: Lisa Meddin, Water Conservation Intern
Sarah Mazze, Community Program Manager &
Stacy Vynne, Oregon Preparation Program Coordinator
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Climate Master Program
Water Conservation