With many states projecting that they’ll face water shortages in the coming years, smart water meters that provide real-time data on water use can help conserve dwindling supplies. Traditionally, consumers receive monthly or quarterly water bills, long after the resource has disappeared down the drain.

The United States is using less water than during the peak years of 1975 and 1980, according to water use estimates for 2005. Despite a 30 percent population increase during the past 25 years, overall water use has remained fairly stable according to a new U.S. Geological Survey report.

As the ancients and natives would attest, water conservation theory has been around since the beginning of time. Most societies that deal with a limited resource learn to use it wisely. The Anasazi were perfect examples. As rain catchers and chasers, they were a culture of true conservationists.  

In Washington, Monday Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar pledged that the Obama administration would help California to solve its water problems.

If you buy a home, condo, or commercial property in California in the coming years water efficient toilets and urinals will be part of the deal – like it or not.  Under new legislation passed in October and signed into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger toilets and urinals across the state must be meet efficiency standards as a condition of receiving a certificate of occupancy.

Urban water conservation is being eyed on several fronts as part of the state’s strategy to meet future water needs. While the Colorado Water Conservation Board is looking at several ways to increase or share water supplies, cutting back on urban demand also will be a factor as part of the mix of strategies.

Sponsored by the American Water Works Association and the Southern Nevada Water Authority. For more information and/or to register visit their website.