Saves Energy ...

That's right ... when you take steps to use less water, you will lower your energy bills as well as your water bill!

Energy and water are closely interrelated: we use energy for water and we use water for energy.

We use water for electricity production directly through hydroelectric power generation at major dams and indirectly as a coolant for thermoelectric power plants.  Thermoelectric power plants - comprised of power plants that use heat to generate power, such as nuclear, coal, natural gas, solar thermal or biomass fuels - are the single largest user of water in the United States. We also use water as a critical input for the growth and production of biofuels, such as corn ethanol.

In addition to using water for energy, we also use energy for water.  Specifically, we use a significant amount of electricity to produce, deliver, heat and treat water supplies and to treat wastewater.

Here are a few ways you can begin to save water and energy today:

	Wash and rinse yoru clothes in cold water rather than hot. Your clothes will still be clean and the typical household will save $60 a month.
	Switch to a front-loading washing machine. These use 1/3 to 1/4 the water per load compared to a top-loading model. As an added benefit, the extremely fast final spin cycle leaves clothes drier saving energy too.
	Adjust the water temperature of your hot water heater to meet your needs (recommended: 135 degrees Fahrenheit).
	If you have a swimming pool, consider using a high-efficiency heater or one that is solar powered. Use a pool cover to hold in heat and also to keep water from evaporating. Install the smallest size pump for your size pool, and reduce the amount of time it runs. A pole skimmer can get rid of a lot of debris, and will reduce electric pump use.
	Peruse the water education and energy efficiency websites for more water and energy saving tips.