Be Water Wise All Week

Did you know that over one billion people do not have access to safe drinking water due to unsanitary conditions? That's about one in every five people on this planet! Drinking contaminated water can make you sick.

In some parts of the world and right here in the United States, water is used at a greater rate than it is replenished by rainfall. In arid regions of world that are naturally dry with rapidly growing populations, there's often not enough water to meet peoples' needs. In addition, communities often cannot afford the technology that can provide large quantities of clean drinking water. As a result, water is scarce and conservation is crucial.

Each of us can work to protect and conserve water in our homes and neighborhoods. Together we can make a difference! You can start conserving water today and become water wise in just seven days.

Sunday
Start the week off fresh by filling a pitcher with tap water and storing it in your fridge. You'll have a cool, refreshing beverage at your fingertips and you'll save water by not waiting for the tap to run cold each time you and your family members are thirsty.

Monday
Water outside only when necessary. If you know Mother Nature plans to water the garden, you won't have to. It is also a good idea to water early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid evaporation during the warmest part of the day.

Tuesday
Don't let the faucet run. Turn off the water while you brush your teeth. You'll save about 100 gallons of water per month once this habit becomes second nature. Does anyone else in your family leave the faucet on when they brush their teeth, shave, etc.?

Wednesday
There is no such thing as a little drip. A leaky faucet with a drip of just 1/16 of an inch in diameter (about this big -o-) can waste 10 gallons of water every day! Stop that drip by replacing worn washers and valve seals with help from your parents.

Thursday
Take a shorter shower today. Set a timer for five minutes and get out when it rings. It is also a good idea to install a low-flow shower head. Water savings can really add up when you control the flow--you could save about 450 gallons each month!

Friday
Check all the plumbing in your home. Proper maintenance is one of the most effective water savers. Faucet washers are inexpensive and take only a few minutes and a wrench to replace. Check all water taps, hoses and hose connections for leaks.

Saturday
Be aware of how you use water today by keeping a journal. Write down each time you turn on the tap, how long it was on, and what you used that water for. Keeping track of the water you used will make you more aware and teach you to make every drop count.

Source: Adapted from "Be Water Wise: 7 Ways in 7 Days" by the American Water Works Association