This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Drought quiz: What saves you more water? It may not be what you think
File: View of the nearly-empty Uvas Reservoir and the face of the dam on Feb. 1, 2014.
(
Ian Abbott/Flickr Creative Commons
)
With California facing one of the worst droughts on the books and new restrictions imposed statewide by the state water board, a lot of us have been thinking about what each of us can do to cut back on water use.
How much water do you really save by shaving a couple minutes off your showers each day? And what happens when you start including the "water footprint" of products you buy and use every day? It takes about 170 gallons of water to grow one pound of wheat, for instance. So that bone-dry toast you slather with butter in the morning has hidden water costs. So does the butter, for that matter.
We put together a quiz to see if you can figure out which products or routines consume the most water. Keep in mind the figures can vary pretty broadly depending on how the calculations are made and your individual situation. Either way, we hope you discover some new ways to help save water during this "epic drought."
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
