Conservation Matters: Protecting New Hampshire’s Most Valuable Resource

When most people think of New Hampshire, they picture clear lakes, flowing rivers, forested wetlands, and abundant natural beauty. Water feels plentiful here — but looks can be deceiving. Even in a water-rich state, our groundwater and drinking-water supplies are not unlimited. As drought cycles become more frequent and development expands, water conservation is more important than ever.

That’s why the New Hampshire Water Works Association (NHWWA) and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NH DES) continue to promote everyday water-saving practices to help keep our state’s water supply sustainable. And at Edgewater Strategies, where groundwater protection and sustainable resource development are central to our work, we see firsthand how essential these efforts truly are.

Why Water Conservation Matters in New Hampshire

Even with lakes and rivers all around us, New Hampshire communities rely heavily on groundwater — the water stored in the bedrock and soil beneath our feet. This water supplies homes, businesses, public systems, and entire communities across the state.

But groundwater is not an infinite resource.

Edgewater Strategies has worked with numerous towns facing water-supply stress, including areas where over-pumping, contamination, and increased development have strained local aquifers. In some communities, expanding housing or infrastructure simply isn’t possible without identifying and protecting new reliable groundwater sources.

By conserving water today, we help:

• Reduce stress on aquifers

• Prevent wells from running low during dry seasons

• Maintain sustainable yield for future development

• Protect wetlands and surface-water ecosystems

• Ensure clean, safe drinking water for generations
  
  

Small actions truly make a big difference.

Simple Conservation Actions Recommended by NHWWA

Water conservation doesn’t require dramatic lifestyle changes — just mindful habits that reduce unnecessary waste. NHWWA highlights several key practices:

1. Fix Leaks Promptly

A dripping faucet or leaking toilet can waste thousands of gallons a year. Repairing leaks is one of the fastest, easiest ways to save water.

2. Use Water-Efficient Appliances

Choosing Energy Star and WaterSense-certified appliances—like dishwashers, washing machines, and low-flow fixtures—significantly cuts household water use without sacrificing performance.

3. Be Smart About Outdoor Watering

Water lawns early in the morning, use rain barrels when possible, and choose drought-resistant native plants. Outdoor use is one of the largest contributors to seasonal water shortages.

4. Practice Mindful Daily Habits

Shorter showers, full dishwasher loads, turning off the tap while brushing teeth — small steps that add up across households, neighborhoods, and entire communities.

How Conservation Supports Sustainable Community Growth

At Edgewater Strategies, we help towns and developers safely identify and permit new groundwater supplies. But no matter how productive a well is, overuse or inefficient water habits can strain even the best-designed system.

Water conservation extends the life of public-water infrastructure, improves resilience during drought, and reduces the need for costly system expansions. This supports:

• Affordable housing projects

• Community development

• Commercial growth

• Long-term water availability
  
  In short, when residents conserve water, entire communities benefit.

New Hampshire’s Water Future Starts With All of Us

Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, developer, or community planner, you play a part in protecting New Hampshire’s water resources.

Conservation is one of the simplest and most effective ways to safeguard our groundwater — and ensure that future generations enjoy the same clean, reliable water we rely on today.

At Edgewater Strategies, we’re committed to supporting sustainable water management through hydrogeologic expertise, groundwater development, and community education. By working together, we can keep New Hampshire’s water supply strong, resilient, and protected.