Test Your Knowledge About Water Uses! Trivia Quiz

1. True or False: Most of the water used to produce electrical power in the U.S. comes from surface water?

True

False

About 99% of water used for thermoelectric power in the U.S. comes from surface water.

Explanation

About 99% of water used for thermoelectric power in the U.S. comes from surface water.

2. How much of the water on earth is available for people's everyday use?

More than 50%

28%

Less than 1%

12%

About 75 percent of the earth's surface is covered by water, but less than 1 percent of this is available for people to use. The rest is salt water, locked in inaccessible locations underground, or is frozen in polar ice caps and glaciers.

Explanation

About 75 percent of the earth's surface is covered by water, but less than 1 percent of this is available for people to use. The rest is salt water, locked in inaccessible locations underground, or is frozen in polar ice caps and glaciers.

3. Which state uses the most water?

New York

California

Arizona

Texas

California uses almost 11% of all freshwater in the U.S.

Explanation

California uses almost 11% of all freshwater in the U.S.

4. The average family of four uses approximately __ gallons of water per day?

50

100

250

400

It may seem hard to believe, but the average person uses 100 gallons of water each day—that's enough to fill 1,600 drinking glasses. This water use can easily be cut by as much as 30 percent if American households took a few simple steps to use water more efficiently.

Explanation

It may seem hard to believe, but the average person uses 100 gallons of water each day—that's enough to fill 1,600 drinking glasses. This water use can easily be cut by as much as 30 percent if American households took a few simple steps to use water more efficiently.

5. Which of the following uses less water?

Taking a five minute shower

Taking a bath

Taking a five minute shower uses 10 to 25 gallons of water, while a full tub requires about 70 gallons. If you take a bath, stopper the drain immediately and adjust the temperature as you fill the tub.

Explanation

Taking a five minute shower uses 10 to 25 gallons of water, while a full tub requires about 70 gallons. If you take a bath, stopper the drain immediately and adjust the temperature as you fill the tub.

6. Which state uses the most water for irrigation?

Kansas

Texas

California

Nebraska

California led the Nation in acres irrigated, about 10,100,000 followed by Nebraska (7,420,000) and Texas (6,490,000).

Explanation

California led the Nation in acres irrigated, about 10,100,000 followed by Nebraska (7,420,000) and Texas (6,490,000).

7. In what two ways is most of the freshwater in the U.S. used for?

Irrigation & Public Supply

Domestic (self-supplied) & Thermoelectric Power

Industry & Public Supply

Thermoelectric Power & Irrigation

The U.S. uses water in the following ways:
Irrigation: 40%
Thermoelectric Supply: 39%
Public Supply: 13%
Industry: 5%
Livestock Domestic (self-supplied)1%
Mining: 1%

Explanation

The U.S. uses water in the following ways:
Irrigation: 40%
Thermoelectric Supply: 39%
Public Supply: 13%
Industry: 5%
Livestock Domestic (self-supplied)1%
Mining: 1%

8. Where do most of the irrigation water come from?

Surface water

Ground water

Treatment plants

About 56,900 million gallons per day are withdrawn from the ground water, whereas 89,700 gallons per day are withdrawn from surface water. Some irrigation water is taken from treatment plants but used mainly on golf courses, parks, and road medians.

Explanation

About 56,900 million gallons per day are withdrawn from the ground water, whereas 89,700 gallons per day are withdrawn from surface water. Some irrigation water is taken from treatment plants but used mainly on golf courses, parks, and road medians.

9. How much water can you save per day by turning off the tap while brushing your teeth in the morning and at bedtime?

Up to 2 gallons

Up to 4 gallons

Up to 8 gallons

Up to 6 gallons

The average bathroom faucet flows at a rate of 2 gallons per minute; by simply turning the tap off, you can save more than 100 gallons of water per person each month.

Explanation

The average bathroom faucet flows at a rate of 2 gallons per minute; by simply turning the tap off, you can save more than 100 gallons of water per person each month.

10. A water-efficient irrigation system may include which features?

Drip irrigation

Moisture sensors

Rain shut-off device

All of the above

Inefficient or poorly maintained irrigation systems can waste water and money each month. Look for sprinklers that produce droplets—not mist. Systems with rain shutoff devices and moisture sensors reduce excess watering and runoff.

Explanation

Inefficient or poorly maintained irrigation systems can waste water and money each month. Look for sprinklers that produce droplets—not mist. Systems with rain shutoff devices and moisture sensors reduce excess watering and runoff.