The researchers found that for residential users heating water (showers, clothes washers, cooking, hot tubs, etc) accounted for 75% of water-related energy use.

FORBES: To Conserve Energy - Conserve Water

Executives at General Electric and Whirlpool say consumers should expect networked homes and neighborhoods by 2012 and a drop in overall energy use of air conditioners, refrigerators and clothes washers by 50% to 75%.

FORBES: Tiny Luminary is taking on the giants in microcontrollers.

The pilot project will include about 10, 000 households, and these residents could create an online account to not only view their reports but also browse rebates offered by the water district to buy water-efficient household items such as clothes washers and toilets or to change the landscaping of their lawns to use drought-resistant, native plants.

FORBES: A Startup's Bid To Use Data To Cut Water Use