Press Release Water Resources Committee

U.S. WATER USE HAS DECLINED IN LAST 30 YEARS, AGENCY SAYS

The United States is using less water than it did 30 years ago,
according to a report by the U.S. Geological Survey.

Americans use 408 billion gallons per day -- essentially unchanged since
1985 and lower than in 1975.

Per capita water use has dropped 25 percent since its peak in the 1970s,
according to the agency.

USGS chief hydrologist Robert Hirsch said conservation and advances in
water use in irrigation and power generation "allow us to do more with
less water. ... It's pretty good news for the nation."

Jason Larrabee

Senior Legislative Assistant

Congressman John T. Doolittle