Earth Gauge Tip of the Week — National Rivers Month

June is National Rivers Month!  Did you know that the United States has over 3,660,000 miles of rivers?  That’s enough distance to circle the Earth 146 times!  Freshwater rivers and streams provide drinking and irrigation water, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities and more.  Celebrate and protect rivers in your community with these tips:

• Find out where your water comes from – chances are it’s a local river or stream!  Some of the nation’s biggest cities get their water from rivers.  In Washington, DC, 76 percent of drinking water for metro-area residents comes from the Potomac River.  Residents of Omaha and Kansas City get water from the Mississippi River and many Las Vegas and Phoenix residents get water from the Colorado River.  The Cedar and Tolt Rivers support residents in Seattle.

• Conserve fresh water supplies.  If the entire world’s water fit into a one-gallon jug, fresh water available for our use would equal about one tablespoon!  The average American family of four uses roughly 400 gallons of water per day at home – but you can save water every day with three easy actions.  Shave two minutes off your shower to save five gallons; turn off water between rinsing dishes to save five gallons; and water your lawn in early morning or late evening to save 20 gallons.  That’s 30 gallons with minimal effort!