A recent article in the New York Times examines at the often overlooked connection between water use and energy use. Water collection, treatment, distribution, and usage accounts for approximately 13% of our energy use in the U.S. - 520 megawatt hours in total. Therefore, by conserving water, we can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well. Large manufacturers and municipal water districts have experienced incredible savings, both in terms of their energy usage and overall finances, by investing in water conservation programs. Large scale conservation efforts such as these are key, but the article also highlights the importance of conserving water on a household level, not only because it reduces greenhouse gas emissions but because it is an important step in preparing for global climate change.