The long weekend marks the beginning of National Drinking Water Week in the US, which could raise awareness of water saving internationally.

Organised by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the event highlights issues relating to the continued availability of clean, fresh drinking water for human consumption.

The EPA notes that 97 per cent of all the Earth's water is held in seas and oceans, while two per cent more is permanently frozen.

Overall, less than one per cent can be consumed as drinking water at any one time - leading the EPA to urge households to do their bit in the spirit of water saving.

The American Water Works Association is also promoting National Drinking Water Week and notes the essential role that a freshwater connection plays in keeping communities thriving.

It adds that mains water supplies are sometimes taken for granted, until they are interrupted by a break in the mains supply or drought.