New Research Shows Most Americans are Unaware of Their Daily Water Consumption

Rhea-AI Summary

A new study by Opinium for American Water reveals that Americans underestimate their daily water usage by 90%, believing it to be under 100 gallons, while the actual average is over 2,000 gallons. The study highlights the substantial water footprint of common items, with misconceptions about the water needed to produce clothing and food. Key findings include the 4,688 gallons required for a holiday turkey and 2,600 gallons for a pair of jeans. The survey aims to raise awareness about water consumption ahead of the 'Imagine a Day Without Water' event on October 21.

Positive

• Raises awareness of water consumption among Americans.
• Promotes conservation efforts through education.

Negative

• Majority of Americans lack understanding of their water footprint.

MECHANICSBURG, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- According to new research conducted by global research agency Opinium on behalf of American Water, Americans underestimate the amount of water they use daily by 90%. Most believe they use less than 100 gallons of water each day, when the actual number is more than 2,000 gallons on average (according to Water Footprint Network). This figure considers the water consumed by individuals directly (e.g. dishwashing or watering the lawn) and indirectly (e.g. the water required to produce food). With the majority of Americans underestimating their own personal water usage, the study also found a lack of awareness for water consumption in specific areas of their lives as well.

Ahead of the annual observance of the Value of Water’s Imagine a Day Without Water on October 21^st, the survey asked a nationally representative sample of more than 2,000 Americans to reflect on their daily water consumption and how much water is required to produce many common items we consume daily. The findings revealed that – regardless of gender, homeownership, or age – Americans are largely unaware of just how large their water footprint is and the variety of ways water impacts their everyday lives.

“We all know water is a vital part of our daily lives for drinking and basic hygiene, but we often don’t consider the water needed to produce the foods we eat or even the clothes we wear,” said Dr. Lauren Weinrich, Principal Scientist, Water Research & Development at American Water. “As part of our commitment to provide clean, safe, reliable drinking water for our customers, it’s important to raise public awareness of the true value of water. During this year’s Imagine a Day Without Water, we want to help educate our customers on the importance of water, but also ways they can participate in the efforts to support water efficiency and conservation.”

The study revealed Americans’ various underestimations of water consumption for products they likely use every day:

• Almost 90 million Americans believe it takes no water at all to make a pair of jeans. In reality, a fresh pair of jeans requires around 2,600 gallons to make.
• It takes 713 gallons of water to make a new cotton t-shirt to pair with those jeans. Americans believe it takes just 136.
• Americans believe it takes 158 gallons of water to produce a smartphone, but the actual amount is more than 3,400.

With fall right around the corner, Americans are looking forward to enjoying the season’s special events – like gathering around the table for holiday dinners. However, most people aren’t aware of just how much water goes into producing these fall-favorites. Americans drastically underestimated the water needed to make:

• One 16-pound holiday turkey takes 4,688 gallons vs. estimated 158 gallons
• A pecan pie takes 1,068 gallons vs. the estimated 135 gallons; and a pumpkin pie takes 458 gallons vs. the estimated 135 gallons
• The traditional green bean casserole – with fried onions on top! – takes 547 gallons of water to hit the holiday dinner table vs. the estimated 116 gallons

The company created an infographic to depict key findings of the study, which you can read more about here. For more information on Pennsylvania American Water and how you can reduce your water footprint, visit https://www.amwater.com/paaw/water-information/wise-water-use.

Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.4 million people. With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211021005669/en/

Media:

Laura Martin

Director, Communications & External Affairs

C: 304-932-7158

E: laura.martin@amwater.com

Source: Pennsylvania American Water

FAQ

What significant findings were revealed in the American Water study?

The study found that Americans underestimate their daily water usage by 90%, with the average being over 2,000 gallons.

When is the 'Imagine a Day Without Water' event?

The event takes place on October 21.

What are some examples of water consumption misconceptions in the study?

For instance, producing a pair of jeans requires 2,600 gallons of water, significantly more than the 90 million Americans who believe it takes no water at all.

How does American Water contribute to water education?

American Water aims to educate the public on the value of water and ways to conserve it as part of their commitment to providing reliable drinking water.

What is the role of Opinium in the water consumption study?

Opinium conducted the research on behalf of American Water to assess Americans' perception of their water usage.