FRESNO, Calif. (October 30, 2009)--A new study finds that Americans are using less water per person now than at any time since the mid-1950s.

Experts say the decline in use is the result of water-saving technologies and a nationwide push to safeguard dwindling supplies.

The U.S. Geological Survey says industries as well as the general population are sucking up less water overall than in 1980, when the nation's thirst for water peaked.

California, in the third year of drought, was the most water-hungry state in 2005, the most recent year for which figures were available.

California used about 9 percent of all water extracted from lakes, rivers and underground aquifers, followed by Texas, Idaho and Illinois.

Nationwide, about 80 percent of the 410 billion gallons used each day went to produce electricity at thermoelectric power plants and to irrigate fields.