With the rise of metal straws and #SaveTheTurtles it’s safe to say that more Americans than ever are water conscious. This is great news, especially for well owners, as it significantly reduces their risk of a contaminated well. However, there is so much to learn about water and water wells. We’re here to help you with some fun facts about water and wells!

Water Usage Facts

  1. The United States uses about 400 billion gallons of water daily. That’s 400,000,000,000. This number converts to over 500 million tons of water.
  2. This number means that each household in America uses approximately 100,000 gallons annually.
  3. Each human needs approximately 12 gallons of water everyday to sustain themselves. From drinking and eating, to bathing and sanitation.
  4. 40% of freshwater withdrawal in the United States is used for agriculture. Think that sounds high? China comes in at a weighty 65%. And other countries are even higher. Of all the freshwater used in Madagascar, an astounding 97% is used for agriculture. Other countries like Cambodia, Pakistan, Vietnam, Iran, and Ecuador all use 90% or more of their freshwater for agriculture.
  5. The average cost of water in the United States is two dollars per one thousand gallons. If you do the math, you need about five gallons to equal a penny.

We Are Made Of Water

  1. Human brains are 70% water.
  2. Certain animals and plants are as much as 95% water. Prime examples of this phenomena are cucumbers and jellyfish.
  3. Despite containing so much water ourselves, only about 1% of the global water supply is potable.
  4. Our body needs so much water that even mild dehydration has intense repercussions. In fact, 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. Dehydration can slow metabolism, increase fatigue, cause joint pain, and reduce short-term memory skills.
  5. Americans don’t have a food problem, they have a water problem. About 37% of Americans mistake their thirst for feelings of hunger.
  6. Drinking a daily 5 glasses of water has been linked to reduce instances of cancer. Especially in tissues that rely heavily on water to function. Colon cancer risk decreases by 45%, breast cancer risk decreases by 79%, and bladder cancer risk decreases by 50%.

Water Well Facts

  1. Approximately 25% of global rainwater becomes groundwater, which supplies wells.
  2. If there is proper research and preparation, most wells never run dry. Medium to deep wells last two to three decades, at minimum.
  3. There are three main types of wells, which are defined by their depth: short, medium, and deep wells.
  4. The single most important part of your well is the well cap. If the pump breaks, it can be fixed. However, a broken or loose well cap can lead to contaminated well water.
  5. The deeper the well, the less likely it is that contamination will occur. Shallow wells are close to the surface and often not protected well from run-off or toxins. Deep wells have concrete casings around boreholes that also halt contaminants.