Many water districts serve growing populations, leading to higher costs for treatment and distribution. And some water districts are having to replace systems that date to the post-World War II era, said Veronica Blette, chief of the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program, which helps consumers and businesses find ways to use less water. That helps, but households can use at least 20 percent less water by installing water-efficient fixtures and appliances, the E.P.A. Bathrooms are a good place to start because they may account for more than half the water that families use indoors. The latest toilets use just over a gallon of water per flush, or even less, compared with several gallons for older models.

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Persons: Veronica Blette, ” Ms, Blette, “