Water is a vital natural resource on which all living things depend to survive. Even though the majority of Earth's surface is covered with water, usable freshwater is limited. Earth's extensive oceans hold 97% of our water supply in the form of saltwater; the remaining 3% is freshwater, but most of that is trapped in polar ice caps and glaciers and is inaccessible. Only about 1% of Earth's water supply is available as usable freshwater. Thus, usable water is a relatively scarce resource.

Humans depend on freshwater for drinking as well as household, agricultural, and industrial uses. And while water is a renewable resource that can be replenished through the water cycle and by wastewater treatment facilities, we are using it at a faster rate than it is being replenished. The demands of growing populations and industries have put a strain on freshwater ecosystems and are causing water shortages in many parts of the world. Freshwater lakes, rivers, and wetlands are being affected both by water pollution and water depletion.

Water pollution comes in many forms, including sediment, pesticides, fertilizers, bacteria, and heat. Bacteria and other contaminants in polluted water can cause disease and death. In an effort to reduce the amount of water pollution, international agreements and federal laws, such as the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act, have been put in place.

Water depletion affects access to drinking water and the health of the ecosystem. Especially in industrialized countries, careless and wasteful use may contribute to water depletion. The average household in the United States uses about 350 gallons of water each day for drinking, showers, laundry, toilets, faucets, and dishwashers.

Every individual can help conserve water by becoming more aware of personal water usage. A clothes washer uses about 41 gallons of water per load. A dishwasher uses about 9 gallons of water each time it runs. Faucets release about 1.3 gallons of water every minute. Conservation can help reduce water depletion, water pollution, and the need for additional wastewater treatment facilities.

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