Water is the core of life and sustains all living beings. As humanity faces environmental challenges, water conservation is an urgent and essential priority for a sustainable future. The world is grappling with a growing water crisis, amplified by population growth, industrialization and climate change. According to the United Nations, by 2030, global water demand is projected to exceed supply by a staggering 40 percent (bit.ly/3QJ240u). This sobering reality highlights the urgent need for collective action to conserve and manage water resources responsibly.

Approximately 2.2 billion people across the world live without access to safe water. Climatic changes, overuse of water resources and inefficient water systems have exacerbated this issue, causing severe health and environmental consequences. Water conservation is essential for the survival of our species and the planet.

So, what do we do about it? A key role we can play is to connect customers with sustainable plumbing products and technologies that save water, and keep at the forefront just how much water we use and waste and how every drop counts. 

Promoting Efficient Fixtures

With population growth and climate change threatening water availability in many regions, conservation is no longer an option but a necessity. Implementing water-saving measures is crucial for maintaining water supplies at safe levels, ensuring human and environmental health.

While governments and industries must take substantial steps, individuals can contribute significantly to water conservation. Simple habits such as fixing leaks, using efficient appliances, taking shorter showers and reducing single-use plastic can make a substantial difference. Moreover, raising awareness within our social circles and encouraging responsible water usage can inspire others to join the cause.

Modern plumbing fixtures, such as low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets, can drastically reduce water usage in residential and commercial settings. Many are familiar with WaterSense, a voluntary partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is a label for water-efficient products and a resource for helping you save water.

A WaterSense label shows that the toilet, showerhead, faucet or other plumbing product has met its criteria for product performance, while using at least 20 percent less water than federal water-efficiency requirements.

Plumbing wholesalers that offer and advocate for these efficient fixtures are aiding in water conservation and attracting environmentally conscious customers.

Educating the Public

Education is vital in changing habits and encouraging the adoption of water-saving technologies. Plumbing wholesalers can provide training, workshops and informational materials to contractors and the general public on the benefits of water-efficient plumbing and fixtures. 

Exactly how much water do we use? The EPA states  that “the average American family uses more than 300 gallons of water per day at home. Roughly 70 percent of this use occurs indoors” (https://bit.ly/3KKlbTM).  For example, a low-flow toilet uses approximately 1.28 gallons per flush compared to older models that use 3.5 to 7 gallons. Switching to water-saving fixtures could save a family of four up to 22,000 gallons of water annually.

Other statics provided by the EPA show that household leaks can waste approximately 900 billion gallons of water annually nationwide (https://bit.ly/45xOfG2). The statics hit home as they are easily relatable:  

“The average family can waste 180 gallons per week, or 9,400 gallons of water annually, from household leaks. That’s equivalent to the water needed to wash more than 300 loads of laundry.”

“Household leaks can waste nearly 900 billion galloNS of water annually nationwide. That equals the annual household water use of almost 11 million homes.”

“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.”

“Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can save 8 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.”

Plumbing Manufacturers Step Up

Plumbing distributors can help customers understand the long-term savings on water bills and the positive impact on the environment by becoming a water conservation knowledge hub.

And one doesn’t need to sacrifice aesthetics and function for conservation. Today, most manufacturers produce products that carry the WaterSense label, keeping aesthetics married with form and function.

Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI), a not-for-profit association of plumbing product manufacturers, plays a vital role in education and advocacy for water conservation. To start, it encourages the replacement of these legacy fixtures with water-efficient toilets, faucets and showerheads, which can save billions of gallons of water across the nation each year. In addition, it is a vital advocacy arm to ensure that water conservation remains at the forefront.

Also, outlined in PMI’s 2022 Annual Report  (https://bit.ly/3YFthmr ), are many ways its members are committed to water savings and conservation. It’s interesting to read the many innovative ways in doing so – and the statical numbers of conservation and savings are staggering. 

In addition, The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) is another guardian of our planet’s resources. The organization works in concert with government and industry for safe, sanitary and resilient plumbing and mechanical systems. 

There are MANY plumbing manufacturers who have invested heavily in their water savings technologies, conservation efficiencies and practices. As industry stewards, these companies are incorporating goals of sustainability and efficiencies into their corporate mission, ensuring each play a part in conserving one of our most precious resources. 

Plumbing wholesalers can ensure that their products meet rigorous environmental standards by forging relationships with manufacturers committed to sustainability. This includes water-saving technologies and manufacturing processes that reduce waste and energy consumption.

Water conservation efforts extend beyond homes; commercial products and technologies enhance building efficiency. While people recognize water-saving fixtures like sensor faucets, the industry also manufactures behind-the-scenes components like valves and fittings that promote water savings and conservation.

While there are many avenues to go about water conservation (including water reuse, which is for another feature), it all starts with each of us jumping in and understanding that every drop counts. By doing our part, replacing old fixtures with modern technology and water-saving capabilities and investing in research and development, we work to ensure water availability for many generations to come.