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                                                                          EPA 810-F-99-020
                                                                          December 1999
                                       WATER FACTS
    SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT « CELEBRATING 25 YEARS • PROTECT OUR HEALTH FROM SOURCE TO TAP
    Drinking Water Facts and Figures

    •  Water is the only substance found on
       earth in three forms - solid, liquid, and
       gas.

    •  A person can live more than a month
       without food, but only about a week,
       depending on conditions, without
       water.

    •  66% of the human body is water; 75%
       of the human brain is water.

    •  75% of a chicken, 80% of a pineapple,
       and 95% of a tomato is water.

    •  A person must consume 2.5 quarts of
       water per day from all sources (drink-
       ing, eating) to maintain health.

    •  Water regulates the earth's temperature.
       It also regulates the temperature of the
       human body, carries nutrients and
       oxygen to cells, cushions joints, pro-
       tects organs and tissues, and removes
       wastes.

    •  It is possible for people today to drink
       water that was part of the dinosaur era.
Usage

•  Industries as well as people need water.
   It takes on average 39,090 gallons of
   water to manufacture a new car and its
   four tires.

•  62,600 gallons of water are needed to
   produce one ton of steel; 1,500 gallons
   to process one barrel of beer; and 9.3
   gallons to process one can of fruit or
   vegetables.

•  On average, 50-70% of household
   water is used outdoors (watering  lawns,
   washing cars).

•  The average American  uses over  100
   gallons of water per day; the average
   residence uses over 100,000 gallons
   during a year.

•  Americans drink more than 1 billion
   glasses of tap water per day.
Infrastructure

•  The average cost for water supplied to a
   home in the U.S. is about $2.00 for
   1,000 gallons, which equals about 5
   gallons for a penny.

•  It costs over $3.5 billion to operate
   water systems throughout the  United
   States each  year.

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                        WHAT YOU  CAN DO TO KEEP
                       YOUR DRINKING WATER SAFE
Be Aware of Your Water Source and Supplier
   • Where does your water come from?

   * Who is your water supplier?

   * Has your water been tested recently?

   * Is it tested regularly?

   * How is it treated and protected from
     contamination?

   * Have water shortages occurred in your
     community?



Conserve Water In the Home/On the Farm
   • Improve water use and management practices.

   • Repair leaking faucets and toilets.

   • Understand crop needs for water and irrigate
     appropriately.

   • Water your lawn wisely.

   « Take short showers.

   • Turn off the water while brushing your teeth.

   * Turn off the hose while washing your car.



Minimize the Production of Waste
   • Compost vegetable waste.

   • Recycle newspapers, aluminum cans, glass
     containers.

   * Don't buy more of anything than you can use.

   • Recycle used motor oil, batteries, paints,
     solvents, and chemicals.

   • Think of the impact of what you do on water
     quality.
Wisely Use and Dispose of Household Lawn
and Garden Chemicals
   • Follow all directions carefully.

   • Use only what you need.

   • Sponsor or participate in pesticide collection/
     disposal activities.
Learn the Facts About Your Water
   • Look for and read your consumer confidence
     report (annual water quality report). Call your
     water supplier to get a copy.

   • Don't believe everything you hear or read in
     advertisements - get the facts.

   • Review results of drinking water tests in your
     community.

   • Attend  public meetings.

   • Follow the news about drinking water matters,
     such as the development of new standards.

   • Learn about potential  contamination sources of
     ground water and surface water.
Get Involved in Your Community
   • Urge your water supplier and state and local
     regulatory and health officials to ensure that your
     water supply complies with all standards.

   • Support efforts to educate the public and elected
     officials about the need to protect and improve
     the quality of drinking water.

   • Express willingness to pay higher water rates, if
     necessary, to finance improvements in water
     quality.
   • Support efforts to protect water suppl
ies.

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