How Can Our Family Save Water?

Article: Every Drop Counts

1Clean water comes into our homes through pipes. We use it to drink, cook, wash, and flush. Water is important, so it is smart not to waste it. Most families can use less water with a few easy habits.

2In the bathroom, turn off the faucet while you brush your teeth. The water does not need to run the whole time. A short shower uses less water than a long one, too.

3In the kitchen and the laundry room, wait until the dishwasher or the washing machine is full before you run it. Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator. Then you will not need to let the faucet run until the water gets cold.

4Last, look and listen for drips. A dripping faucet may not seem like much, but the drops add up to a lot of water. If you find a drip, ask a grown-up to fix it.

Theo's Notes: How My Family Used Water

1One evening, I watched how my family used water at home. Here is what I saw.

2Dad: He wanted a glass of cold water. He let the kitchen faucet run for a long time until the water felt cold.

3Mom: After dinner, she started the dishwasher. It was only half full.

4Ivy: My big sister took a long shower. She sang five songs before she turned off the water!

5Grandma: She waited until the laundry basket was full. Then she washed all the clothes in one load.

6Me: I turned off the faucet while I brushed my teeth. Then I heard drip, drip, drip from the bathroom sink, so I told Grandma. She said she would fix it in the morning.