40 Facts About American Water

Water Usage in the United States

Water is a fundamental part of daily life. Understanding how Americans use water can shed light on the importance of this resource.

1. The average American uses 176 gallons of water per day, which translates to 64,240 gallons per year.
2. Approximately 65% of the water in the United States comes from surface supplies such as lakes, creeks, and rivers, while 35% comes from wells.

Water Treatment and Distribution

Ensuring that water is safe to drink and efficiently delivered requires a complex system of treatment and distribution.

3. After water is drawn from its source, it is sent to a treatment facility where modern treatment systems use a combination of chemicals and filtration to ensure water quality before it enters the distribution pipes.
4. The U.S. water pipe network stretches across 700,000 miles, more than three times the length of the National Highway System.

American Water Company

American Water is a major player in the water utility sector, providing essential services to millions.

5. American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States, providing safe, clean, reliable, and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people in 14 states and on 18 military installations.
6. American Water employs approximately 6,500 professionals who leverage their expertise to achieve excellent outcomes for customers, employees, investors, and other stakeholders.

Water Consumption by Sector

Different sectors consume water in varying amounts, highlighting the diverse needs for this resource.

7. 46% of water consumed in America is used to produce manufacturing products, while 40% is used to produce food and beverages.
8. Agriculture accounts for about 70% of global freshwater withdrawals and up to 90% in some fast-growing economies.
9. 41% or 143 billion gallons of water is used to produce thermoelectric power, making it the largest water use sector in the country.
10. A 15-megawatt data center can use up to 360,000 gallons of water a day.

Public-Private Partnerships and Standards

Collaborations and regulations play a crucial role in managing water resources effectively.

11. Public-Private partnerships have been formed between private-sector companies and municipalities to address water treatment, delivery, and wastewater services.
12. Water quality standards are set by the USEPA and many states to ensure compliance with established standards.

Infrastructure and Maintenance

Maintaining and upgrading water infrastructure is essential for reliable water delivery.

13. American Water maintains 53,500 miles of transmission, distribution, and collection mains and pipes.
14. The Safe Drinking Act passed by Congress in 1974 authorized the U.S. EPA to set standards for the water delivered by every community water system in the United States serving more than 25 people.

Contaminants and Safety

Ensuring water safety involves monitoring and addressing various contaminants.

15. In 24 major metropolitan areas, at least one pharmaceutical was detected in tests of drinking water supplies from a survey of 62 major water providers.
16. The drinking water standard for arsenic is set at a level where a community could drink perfectly legal water, but roughly one in every 600 residents would likely develop bladder cancer over their lifetimes.
17. In 2001, lead concentrations in Washington, D.C.’s tap water remained 20 times the federally approved level for three years after the city changed its water disinfection processes.

Challenges with Old Pipes and Leaks

Aging infrastructure poses significant challenges to water distribution.

18. Old pipes lose an estimated 18% of the nation’s daily water use and cost $2.6 billion in losses as drinking water pours into the streets. Leaks also provide entry points for contaminants.
19. In some cities, 40% of water sent through their systems ends up as non-revenue water that leaks somewhere along the way.
20. More than a million miles of pipes beneath our streets is nearing the end of its useful life and approaching the age at which it needs to be replaced.

Capital Investment Needs

Significant investments are required to maintain and improve water infrastructure.

21. Capital investment needs for the nation’s wastewater and stormwater systems are estimated to total $298 billion over the next 20 years.

Unique Water Usage Examples

Various institutions and industries have unique water usage patterns.

22. Schools in the Tampa Bay region use approximately 22,284 gallons of water per day.
23. The San Antonio Zoo uses approximately 2 million gallons of water a day to care for the animals.
24. The National Hockey League collectively uses more than 300 million gallons of water each season, with 12,500 gallons needed to make ice for each rink.

Rising Water Rates and Environmental Impact

Water rates and the environmental impact of bottled water are growing concerns.

25. Water rates have risen by 43% over the last decade, faster than any other household utility bill.
26. The environmental impact of bottled water is up to 3,500 times greater than tap water.
27. 17 million barrels of oil are needed to produce the plastic to meet annual bottled water demand.

Access to Water and Plumbing

Access to basic water services remains an issue for some Americans.

28. 1.4 million Americans have no access to indoor plumbing.
29. 65,000 individuals and 27,000 households lack access to running water in New York.
30. 19% of homes use septic systems that may contribute to contamination.

Contamination Issues

Various contaminants pose risks to water safety.

31. Perchlorate, a chemical used with explosives, road flares, and fireworks, has contaminated the drinking water of at least 20 million Americans and was found in the water of 33 states.

Water Withdrawals for Industry

Industry relies heavily on water for production processes.

32. Nearly 5% of all U.S. water withdrawals are used to fuel industry and the production of many of the material goods we stock up on weekly, monthly, and yearly.

Water Use in Production

Producing everyday items requires significant amounts of water.

33. It takes about 100 gallons of water to grow and process a single pound of cotton, and the average American goes through about 35 pounds of new cotton material each year.
34. 1,230 gallons of water are needed to yield one beef steak.
35. 2,110 gallons of water are needed to make one pair of shoes.
36. 40,000 gallons of water are needed to make one car (not counting the gas).
37. 19 gallons of water are needed to grow one apple.
38. 32 gallons of water are needed to make one glass of water.
39. 300 million gallons of water are needed to produce a single day’s supply of U.S. newsprint.

Rainfall Impact

Rainfall significantly contributes to water availability.

40. One inch of rainfall drops 7,000 gallons or nearly 30 tons of water on a 60' by 180' piece of land.

The Importance of American Water

American water is more than just a resource; it's a lifeline. From the 176 gallons each person uses daily to the 700,000 miles of pipes delivering it, water's role in our lives is immense. American Water, the largest regulated utility, ensures over 14 million people get clean, reliable water. Yet, challenges like old pipes, contaminants, and rising costs persist. With agriculture using 70% of global freshwater and industries like thermoelectric power consuming 41%, efficient management is crucial. Public-private partnerships and stringent quality standards help, but more investment is needed. Understanding these facts highlights the need for sustainable practices and infrastructure upgrades. By addressing these issues, we can secure a future where everyone has access to safe, affordable water. Let's value and protect this precious resource for generations to come.