36 states anticipate water shortages

(NEWSCHANNEL 3) - Here in Michigan the Great Lakes provide an abundant source of fresh water. But other parts of the country aren't so lucky.

A federal report shows that 36 states are anticipating water shortages within the next four years.

With that in mind, water conservation is becoming much more important in many areas.

One thing that all of us can do is look at reducing our water footprint. That's the amount of water you use by turning on your faucet and flushing your toilet, but also the water you use indirectly.

"The indirect piece is contained in all the products and services you buy, the food that you eat and the cars you drive. It's taken a lot of water, for example 500 gallons, to make a pair of blue jeans. So this is, the notion of the water footprint raises the awareness of where, how and when water is actually used. And we can make a difference by taking some action and making different choices," said Simon Davidoff of Siemens Water Technologies.

Simon Davidoff says there are some simple things you can do to reduce your water footprint like drinking tea instead of coffee because it requires less water to make.

He says using low-flow toilets and shower heads and watering your lawn at dusk can also help.

For more information on your water footprint, click here.