Nearly two-thirds of Triangle residents say individual households can make a "big difference" in water consumption levels, according to a survey released Friday.

Perhaps that's why an overwhelming 93 percent of those surveyed reported they had recently taken measures to curb their water consumption.

However, the poll didn't distinguish between voluntary efforts to use less water and conservation efforts that were mandated at the time the poll was taken, such as prohibitions against watering lawns and washing cars at home, said Tim McKay, a partner at OnPoint Polling and Research of Raleigh. OnPoint conducted the survey free for the Water Conservation Council appointed by the Raleigh City Council.

The poll of 512 registered voters in Wake, Durham and Orange counties was taken March 11, before restrictions on water usage were lifted in many municipalities but after three significant rains that helped replenish depleted water supplies.

Most people think they can make a difference even though 53 percent of those polled think -- erroneously -- that businesses use the most water. According to the Conservation Council, residences account for 60 percent of water use in the Raleigh water system.