What is the value of water?

Water fuels the economic engines of the Tri-Valley community

Water is our most precious resource. When we look at how the Tri-Valley community uses water and how it drives our economy, community, businesses and everyday lives, we see the true value of Tri-Valley's water is far more than the per gallon cost. Water is a driving force in our lives including agriculture, infrastructure, the food and beverage industry, health and wellness, and of course everyday household uses.

Appreciating the value of water means understanding what it is worth! Learn more about the role water plays in our community and our economy. Both treated and untreated water delivered to the Tri-Valley has far reaching benefits for our region. The treated water we use in our home and businesses keep us all healthy and happy!

 

Antioch Marina Harbor
 

Water is an important part of the Tri-Valley's economy

 
Row of grape vines with mountains in the background

Livermore Vineyard

Water and wine

Did you know local vineyards use untreated water for irrigation? There are 55 wineries in the Tri-Valley area, which together make a $200 million-per-year industry. Each of those vines are watered with untreated water that flows into our water system.

Water, of course!

There are multiple golf courses in the Tri-Valley that use untreated water to maintain their grounds. These courses are part of a booming tourism industry that helps us bring visitors and locals alike to enjoy our home and strengthen our economy.

Aerial of golf course surrounded by mountains

Golf Course nestled in mountains

Pie chart broken into 6 pieces adding up to 64,240 gallons of water. Orange piece labeled 17% with shower head icon, blue piece labeled 27% with toilet icon, purple piece labeled 14% with broken water pipe icon, light blue piece labeled 22% with washing machine icon, gray piece labeled 5% with ellipses, green piece labeled 15% with sink faucet icon

Water in your home

The average American uses 64,240 gallons of water each year.

On average, 17% goes toward showering, 27% is used by the toilet, your faucet drains 15%, your clothes washer another 22%, miscellaneous needs take up 5%, and those pesky leaks steal another 14%.

Water in California

California receives 75 percent of its rain and snow in the watersheds north of Sacramento. However, 80 percent of California’s water demand comes from the southern two-thirds of the state.

The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta provides water to two-thirds of the State's population, inlcuding the Tri-Valley. The majority of the Tri-Valley’s water flows through Lake Oroville and Feather River on its journey to our community.

 

Skyline of Sacramento River Crossing

Sacramento River Crossing

Close up of a drop of water falling into pool of water

Water droplet

Water in our environment

  • 349 billion gallons of freshwater are withdrawn every day in the United States.
    • 41% of that water (143 billion gallons) is used to produce thermoelectric power.
    • Another 37% goes to irrigation.
  • 4% of US energy is used for transporting, treating, and pumping water.
  • More than one-third of all counties in the lower 48 states will face higher risks of water shortages by mid-century as a result of global warming.

Water and the U.S. economy

  • One-fifth of the US economy would grind to a halt without a reliable and clean source of water.
  • 46% of water consumed in America is used to produce the manufacturing products we buy.
  • Every job we create in the water sector helps add another 3.68 jobs in the national economy.
  • Every $1 spent on infrastructure improvements in the US generates $6 in returns.

Learn more about how water fuels our economy across America.

Value of Water
Zone 7 Water Agency worker overlooking water filtration bins

Zone 7 Water Agency engineer overlooking filtration bins