Clean Water - A Precious Resource (Our Precious Resource)
Person Fishing in River with Wildlife

Why Conserve?

Keeping water clean starts with using less

In order to ensure a clean supply of water for everyone we need to be sure to conserve water. Most of the country goes through periods of water shortages, and some areas are using more water than they receive as rain and snow. Even in wet regions of the country water conservation is important because large populations rely on relatively small aquifers and reservoirs. Using water wastefully means more energy use, more pollution, and higher costs.

Water conservation starts at home. Trying a few simple water conservation strategies is a great way to do a lot for the environment. Before you know it you will be saving gallons of water everyday, which means hundreds and even thousands of gallons saved a year. You can also have a big impact by being a good example to other people who may not be conserving water as well as you are.

If you doubt that you can make a difference, just think of this inspirational quote from Margaret Mead (1901-1978): "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did You Know...?

 

Simple Things You Can Do:
  • The average American uses over 50 gallons of water every day just in their home. That's well over 18,000 gallons a year.
  • Flushing a toilet uses 2-7 gallons of water.
  • The average 5 min. shower uses 25-50 gallons.
  • Automatic dishwashers use 9-12 gallons.
  • Only 0.7% of the water on earth is available fresh water.
 
  • Shut off water when brushing teeth or shaving.
  • Take short showers instead of baths.
  • Install low-flow faucets, shower heads, and toilets.
  • Only wash FULL loads of dishes or clothes.
  • Use a hose with a shut-off nozzle.
  • Refill plastic water bottles and keep them in the fridge. Now you don't have to run the tap to get cold water.

Activities

Web Site Description
Tooth Brushing Experiment Scroll to the bottom of this link and find out how to experiment with water conservation while brushing your teeth.
Down the Drain- Water Survey Figure out home much water you and your home use.
Home Water Use Calculator Another water calculator with a bit more information.
Water Footprint Compare the water use of you and others, or different countries.

More Information

Web Site Description
Use It Wisely Check out the 100 ways to save water and take the home water audit.
H2OUSE.org Take a tour of the virtual house and learn about conservation strategies.
Water-Guide.org.uk An educational and fun British site on all things water.
Water Trivia USGS facts about water.

Teacher Resources

Web Site Description
Project WET Water Education for Teachers is a similar program to Project WILD and Project Learning Tree. They are a great resource of water related educational materials. We highly recomend their curriculum guide for lesson plans.
Water Graphics An incredible selection of water related graphics and diagrams collected by the United Nations Environmental Program.
H2O University Great info, teacher resources, and student activities from the Southern Nevada Water Authority.
US EPA Water EPA's water education site. More than water conservation, and a good resource for a water unit.
Get-Wise.org Check out the activities in the water section of the “Teachers Lounge.”
Chewonki Water Lesson Chewonki's Traveling Natural History Programs can bring a lesson to your school.