It is really important to keep our current water supply clean.  Here are some ways you can help keep water from being polluted:
- Learn the proper ways of getting rid of household wastes
- Look for alternatives to fertilizers
- Preserve existing trees and plant new trees and shrubs to promote infiltration of water into the soil
- Keep pet waste, leaves and grass clippings out of gutters and storm drains
- Take old or leftover paint, oil, and other chemicals to the hazardous waste disposal sites near your home
It is also really important to conserve (save) water. Here are just a few of the ways you can save water around your house:
Ways to Conserve Water |
The Amount That Can Be Saved |
Compost food items instead of using the garbage disposal |
1000 gallons a month |
Run the washing machine and dishwasher only when full |
1000 gallons a month |
Keep showers under 5 minutes |
1000 gallons a month |
Fix leaky toilet bowls |
More than 600 gallons a month |
Fix leaky faucets |
140 gallons a week |
Use a low-flow showerhead |
More than 500 gallons a week |
Turn off the water when brushing teeth |
4 gallons a minute or 200 gallons a week for a family of four (If you have more people in your family you will just save more water!) |
Turn off the water when you shampoo and condition your hair |
More than 50 gallons a week |
Turn off the water while shaving |
More than 100 gallons a week |
When buying new appliances choose new water-saving ones like water saving washing machines |
Up to 20 gallons per load |
Choose low water use plants outdoors |
Up to 550 gallons each year |
If doing all of these things at once seems too difficult, you should choose one or two tips. Then when you follow the tips you will be saving water at home.
|Using the 3R's At Home| |Stopping Global Warming At Home|
|Saving Water At Home| |Saving Electricity At Home| |Using Solar Energy At Home| |Saving Trees At Home | |Bathroom| |Bedroom| |Living Room| |Kitchen| |Yard|
Likens, Gene E. "Water pollution." World Book Online Reference Center. 2007.
15 December 2006 <http://www.worldbookonline.com/wb/Article?id=ar594330>.
Grima, A. P. Lino. "Lake Erie." World Book Online Reference Center. 2006.
15 December 2006 <http://www.worldbookonline.com/wb/Article?id=ar308980>.
Simberloff, Daniel. "Conservation." World Book Online Reference Center. 2006.
15 December 2006 <http://www.worldbookonline.com/wb/Article?id=ar130340>.
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Permission to use free clip art image of "Protect Water Sources" is granted by Teacher Created Resources at the Teachers Guide. <http://www.theteachersguide.com/Freebies.html> (December, 2006).
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