Water efficiency refers to practices, products, or systems that use less water than traditional products or systems without sacrificing performance. Water-efficient products can include graywater use and low-flow water fixtures (such as toilets or faucets). Water-efficient practices can include landscaping with plants that require less water, use of rainwater for irrigation, and stormwater management.

Why would a water utility, an organization that sells water, want to encourage people to use less of it? Surprisingly, both utilities and their customers can benefit substantially when they use water more efficiently.

For systems on a firmer financial footing, selling less water may decrease profits. But sales losses can be offset when treatment, disposal, and energy costs come down because less water is processed. On average, these savings can offset about 30 percent of the losses associated with selling less water.

Most importantly, in the US, the population is projected to increase significantly over the next 35 years, and virtually every water system will face pressure to meet growing demand. Put simply, the best way to avoid the need for costly large-scale expansion tomorrow is to start increasing water efficiency today.