I would guess that technology played a major role in lowering water consumption. Most of household water use comes from washing clothes, dishes, bathing, and of

I would guess that technology played a major role in lowering water consumption. Most of household water use comes from washing clothes, dishes, bathing, and of course watering the lawn and garden. Automatic clothes and dishwashers are far more common now, and today’s models are more efficient than than manually performing the same task by hand. Simple automated drip irrigation systems can be had from any local hardware store, customizable to deliver the exact amount of water needed to plants at the most optimal time to minimize wasted water from evaporation. And low pressure shower heads are everywhere now; the ridiculous hurricane bathroom shower of the 70s and 80s is only fond childhood memory.