Water

Climate and Water

“Water is the primary medium through which we will feel the effects of climate change.”. (UN Water)

In our Northeast region we are experiencing the impact of climate change on our water systems. Wetter, more frequent and intense storms bring precipitation in bursts leading to flash floods and runoffs. Rain and melted snow do not soak into the soil to replenish aquifers. Between storms hotter temperatures accelerate evaporation of moisture from the ground.

New Hampshire’s drought preparedness and response resources are coordinated by a Drought Management Team at NHDES. New Hampshire residents are encouraged to report dry wells to NHDES. Collecting geographic information on where wells are running dry helps scientists track where the groundwater aquifer is under the most stress from drought conditions.

“Unlike other natural disasters, a drought is slow moving. Its emergence and impacts are often not observed by the general public until the drought has developed in intensity. Unfortunately, at that point, drought impacts are often more difficult to manage.” NHDES

Take Action

“Maximizing water use efficiency is one of the most cost-effective measures communities can quickly implement to protect water supplies while also reducing energy use and global warming pollution.” NRDC

Residential water usage is second only to energy generation as the highest use of water resources in New Hampshire. Individuals and households can significantly improve the resilience of our water systems.

• Of the 63 gallons of water we each use indoors every day, approximately half is used in the bathroom for bathing and flushing. Use less with tips from the NH DES fact sheet for Home Water Efficiency: Bathrooms.

• Reduce water waste in the Kitchen and laundry with tips from the NH DES fact sheet for Home Water Efficiency: Kitchens and Laundry.

Outdoor usage pushes average water consumption up by as much as 100 percent during the warmer months.

• ·Lawns account for a lot of water usage. Water more efficiently in your yard with tips from the NH DES fact sheet on Home Lawn Maintenance.

• Consider sustainable alternatives to a grass lawn.

• Or adopt Water Smart Landscaping for a sustainable, water efficient approach to your entire property.

Get Involved

Track Usage. EyeOnWater is a new tool that Hanover residents on the town’s water supply can use to track their water consumption pathing the way to water conservation. The EyeOn Water is a free app (available in both iOS and android as well as a web portal) that gives water account holders access to their water consumption data in an easy-to-understand format.  EyeOn Water allows users to compare their usage across various time frames, will detect leaks and notify the user.

In this video, the EyeOn Water’s manufacturer, Badger Meter, gives a detailed tour of the app’s dashboard and provides guidance on the app’s many features.  To obtain and sign up for the free EyeOn Water tool, you will need your account number, which begins with a “U” (or a “9” if you are a sewer-only customer) as well as service address zip code.  Your account number can be found on your most recent water/sewer bill.

The EyeOn Water app only works with the ultrasonic water meters that the Town has been replacing in residences on town water.  The town began the water replacement program in 2023.  As of October 2025 approximately 67% of the town’s meters have been replaced with these ultrasonic meters that have cellular antennae which enable both the town and account holders to read their meters in real time.

If your residence does not yet have an upgraded meter, you can schedule an appointment to have it installed here. 

Everyone has a part to play in water use efficiency and conservation.  Individuals, households and businesses can significantly improve water resiliency.

Would you like to build more awareness and action on this important issue in our community?

Contact us at sustainablehanovernh@gmail.com.