Water covers 71 per cent of the Earth’s surface and is vital for all forms of life. Ninety-six per cent of the planet’s water is found in oceans, while fresh water sources account for 2.5 per cent — 1.7 per cent in groundwater, a similar amount in glaciers and ice caps, a small fraction in other large water bodies, and 0.001 per cent in the air as vapour, precipitation and clouds.

* About 70 per cent of the human body is composed of water.

* Every time you flush the toilet, you use approximately five gallons of water — unless you have an ultra low-flow toilet of 1.6 gallons.

* A full bath tub holds approximately 60 gallons of water.

* An automatic dishwasher uses 10 to 20 gallons of water per load.

* Depending on the rate of leakage, a faucet can waste from 10 to 50 gallons of water per day.

* Washing cars for 20 minutes can use up to 100 gallons of water if the hose is left running.

Water Conservation Tips

When indoors:

* Turn off pipes when not in use while taking a shower, brushing teeth or shaving.

* Place a bucket in the shower to collect water for plants.

* Repair leaking faucets.

* Discard used floss strings and q-tips in bins; do not flush them.

* Install water-saving devices such as faucet heads, aerators and pressure regulators.

* Fill dishwasher and washing machines with the appropriate items BEFORE starting a wash cycle.

* Do not defrost frozen food under a running tap.

* Use water from fish tanks to water houseplants.

When outdoors:

* Use a drum or other container to collect rainwater.

* Check water-soaked areas for leaks.

* Water the lawn in the evening or at night when the temperature is cooler and only do it when necessary.

* Plant drought-resistant trees such as poui and almond as they require less water.

* Do not let water run while washing vehicles.

* Use shut-off nozzles on hoses and ensure that they are turned off after use.

* Cover pools during the daytime to minimise evaporation.

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