Fresh water, the simple compound that's essential for human life, constitutes only 3 percent of all the water on Earth.

As global warming intensifies, and with many areas suffering from severe drought and desertification, water conservation is more important than ever.

Even Texas -- long a bastion of conservatism -- is establishing strict water-conservation measures in response to the decades-long drought affecting it and several other Western states.

Water Conservation by the Numbers

Think about this in the context of how much water Americans consume. On average, individuals in Africa use five gallons of water per day.

But in America, individuals consume 176 gallons, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the typical American household uses approximately 260 gallons of water every day.

According to the EPA, "With the U.S. population doubling over the past 50 years, our thirst for water tripling, and at least 36 states facing water shortages … the need to conserve water is becoming more and more critical.

"Communities across the country are starting to face challenges in maintaining healthy and affordable water supplies; that's why it's more important than ever to use our water wisely and not waste it. In addition, it takes large amounts of energy to produce and transport clean water and to process waste water."

The wars of the 21st century will be fought over water rather than oil.

Save Water -- and Money, Too

Here's what you can do to preserve this precious resource:

• Don't let the tap run! Instead, while you wash your hands, brush your teeth, shave, wash dishes or even shower, turn the water on to wet what's necessary and then shut it off. Lather without running water, and then turn it on again just when it is needed.
• Run the dishwasher and clothes washer only when they are fully loaded.
• If possible, install a dual-flush toilet and a water-conserving shower head.
• Convert your water-gulping turf grass to a xeriscape or native plant garden which can thrive in dry conditions or drought, while also lowering your landscaping and water bills.
• If you keep your lawn, water in the morning or evening when there is less evaporation.
• Use a broom to sweep your garage and paved outdoor areas, instead of hosing them off.
• There are ethical and health reasons you might consider eating less meat. In addition, Mother Nature News explains it takes more than 23 gallons of water to produce a slice of wheat bread with a slice of cheese, whereas more than 1,300 gallons are needed to produce a 12-oz. steak.
• Fix leaks. Leaky toilets, faucets, and showers all waste water. This tip conserves water and saves additional repair costs in the long run.
• Replace old appliances with energy efficient ones. A new Energy Star washer saves electricity and uses 35 percent less water per load.
• Take shorter showers or, if you shower for more than four minutes on average, consider switching to a bath.
• Buy fewer new clothes. It takes 1,800 gallons of water to grow enough cotton for a single pair of blue jeans. Do you really need that new pair?
• Conscientiously recycle everything your community accepts for recycling, both at work and at home. Recycling 1 ton of paper saves 17 mature trees and 7,000 gallons of water.

Don't be a water hog. It will save you money and help save planet Earth for us all.

This article was authored by Chicago-area conservationist Donnie Dann and appears here by permission.