67 / 96
Water Conservation
by Jorge
Conserving water is an important part of protecting it. Because
of conservation, water use in the United States has dropped since
1980. Here are a few things we can do to save water.
•
Turn off the tap when you brush your teeth. Don’t run water
while washing dishes. Shut the shower off while you soap up.
•
Take shorter showers and use a low-flow showerhead.
•
Install low-flow aerators on all your faucets. An aerator mixes
air with the water. You use less water when air is mixed in.
The flow will still seem strong.
•
Fix leaks in pipes, faucets, and toilets. Dripping faucets can
waste about 7,500 liters (L) of water each year. Leaky toilets
can waste as much as 750 L each day.
•
Use less water to flush your toilet. Install
a low-flow toilet, or put a water-filled
plastic container in the tank if you have
an older toilet.
•
Use a broom, not a hose, to clean
driveways and sidewalks.
•
Water lawns and other outdoor plants
in the morning. (Water evaporates
faster in the middle of the day.) Don’t
water on a windy day.
•
Put mulch around plants to reduce
evaporation.
Thinking about Water
1.
What is the source of your local water?
2.
How is water purified in your community?
3.
What are the issues about water in your community?
67