• In just 16 hours, U.S. water utilities produce as much potable water as the oil industry produces oil in a year.

• When we use water, we generally add contaminants to it, such as soap, food products, and chmeicals, which must be removed before the water is used again.

• Close to 3/4 of the Earth’s surface is covered with water, but less than 1% is suitable and available for drinking using conventional water treatment.

• Ice cubes float because ice is less dense than water.  Water freezes in a lattice-like formation, which creates buoyancy and allows ice to float.

• Hardness in drinking water is caused by calcium and magnesium – two non-toxic, naturally occuring minerals in water.  Excessive hardness makes it difficult for soap to lather, leaves spots on dishware and reduces water flow.

• Water is the original health drink.  It contains no fat, no calories and no cholesterol.

• Becausee 60% of an adult’s body is water, it is essential to replenish the water you lose through breathing, perspiration and excretion.  For most people, this equates to approximately 8 cups (2 liters) a day.  We can consume water not only by drinking water, but also through food and other beverages.

• Through the processes of evaporation, condensation, precipitation and infiltration – the hydrologic cycle – the total amount of water on Earth remains constant.  The availability of fresh drinking water, however, continues to diminish, as demand continues to increase.

SOURCE: American Water Works Association (AWWA), 2010