Water Conservation for Kids – Facts & Tips to Save Water

Even though the maximum area of the earth is covered with water, there is only a small portion of it that can be used by us. Such water information for kids may be taught in school, but that needs to be accompanied by a sense of awareness and responsibility to be instilled in them. With a few facts and techniques that can help conserve water, this can be attained in a powerful and easy manner.

Water Facts Every Child Should Know

• A water molecule is formed when two atoms of hydrogen bond together with one atom of oxygen.
• Water exists on the planet in three states of matter. The solid state is ice, the liquid state is the usual water, and the gaseous state is steam or water vapour.
• Water has a peculiar quality of expanding its volume as its temperature falls in the range of 4 degree Celsius to the freezing point at zero degree Celsius.
• Nearly 70 percent of the surface of the Earth consists of water.
• The water that is found in seas and oceans is called as seawater, which is quite salty. A kilogram of seawater consists of about 35 grams of salt.
• Water is one of the most powerful solvents. Various salts, sugars, acids, chemicals can easily dissolve in water.
• Although Earth might be the only planet that we know with liquid water, there is water present on Mars in the form of frozen ice caps.
• The water cycle is what keeps life sustained on Earth. The Sun’s heat evaporates the water to form water vapour. These clump together to form clouds which then dissipate water on the surface in the form of rain. This water flows in the form of rivers that reaches the seas and oceans and the cycle continues.
• Water in its purest form does not have any smell or any taste.
• The pH value of water is termed as neutral, at the value of 7.
• The human body requires a lot of water to prevent dehydration and helps keep the body temperature regulated. This is one of the most important drinking water facts for kids.

• Nearly 2 litres of water is required by an adult on a daily basis for maintaining good health.
• 75 percent of the human brain is made up of water.
• A person can go without food for nearly a month, but can barely go a week without drinking any water.
• Koalas do not consume water directly at all. The water that their body requires is acquired from the trees and fruits that they eat.
• Another important area where water is highly required is agriculture.
• Water is also used to extinguish fires by fire engines or even by helicopters to control forest fires.
• Water is required all over the world in substantial quantities for cooking food. This could be in restaurants or even in far-flung areas.
• A lot of electricity that reaches our homes is generated by use of hydroelectric plants that make use of water stored in dams.
• Water bodies are used for fun activities, too. Various water parks are built around this concept as well.
• Water pollution is a problem that is faced all over the world. Nearly 780 million people on Earth do not have access to clean drinking water.
• Polluted water contains a lot of harmful chemicals dumped by industries as well as various bacteria and viruses that can cause diseases.

Water wastage is maximal in toilets and bathrooms. Nearly 30% of the water that is used in households is wasted in the form of flushing toilets.

1. Many cities do have to end up buying or importing water from other areas to satisfy their water consumption quota.
2. The amount of the water on Earth is constant. It has stayed the same since the time Earth was created

Ways to Conserve Water for Kids

There are various saving water facts for kids that can be put to use and help them understand water conservation better.

1. Save Water in The Kitchen

• Do not keep the kitchen taps open throughout. Once the utensil is made wet, turn off the tap.
• If the tap is found to be leaking even when closed, let your mom or dad know so that they can get it fixed.

• Wash all the dishes together instead of one at a time. In that way, you can keep the amount of water used to a minimal.
• Scrape out any food items that might be present on the dishes. These can be used in your garden as a fertilizer in the form of compost.
• If any water is remaining in the glasses after guests drink it, or ice cubes stay as they are, these should be poured in the garden instead of the sink.
• Do not take more water than necessary. Fill your glass twice if you need more water but don’t fill it to the brim.

2. Save Water in Bathroom

• When washing your hands, you don’t need to keep the water running. After your hands are wet, turn off the tap. Rinse your hands with soap, and then turn on the tap to wash them.

• Even while brushing the teeth, turn on the tap only when you have to rinse your mouth and clean the brush. Do not keep the faucet open while you are brushing.
• If you see your dad keep the tap open while he is shaving, ask him to close the tap. If he needs water to clean the razor, keep the water in a small bowl next to him. That can be used instead.
• It is best to take a shower instead of using a bathtub. A tub uses a lot of water as compared to a 5-minute shower. But don’t extend your showers too much.
• Turn off the showers when using soap or rinsing your body. Save water wherever possible.
• In summers, save water by opting for a bucket bath instead. Just one bucket of water is enough for a clean bath.
• Try using partial flushes for toilets. Use the smaller flush when you have just urinated. Use the larger flush when having pooped. This keeps the toilet clean and reduces water usage.

3. Save Water Outdoors

• A lot of water is wasted while washing a car. If using a bucket, make sure you use half a bucket to clean the car with soap. Follow it up with one full bucket of clean water to rinse it, and that should be enough.
• If using a water pipe to clean the car, don’t keep the water running. Wet the car and then turn off the hose. Soap the car and use the hose again to wash it.

• If your lawns or gardens have sprinklers, adjust them in such a way that they cover maximum area possible. Make sure that water is not sprayed out onto the road or the footpath.
• By making use of compost and other fertilizers, your soil can hold moisture well which will reduce the amount of water you need to give your garden.
• When washing the area in front of your home, use a broom and sweep it clean instead of pouring bucket after bucket of water.
• Water your plants and your garden in the mornings and evenings. The evaporation is the least at this time and the soil will be able to hold water easily.
• Opt for techniques that harness rainwater during monsoons. A lot of water just flows off terraces and window sills outside which is totally wasted. Harnessing this water can be used for gardens and flushing the toilets and bathrooms.
• Storing rainwater and purifying it for drinking purposes can make your home completely sustainable for a few months.
• A lot of water is wasted in festivals like Holi just for fun. Try enjoying the festival by using dry colours instead. This avoids water pollution as well as keeps your skin safe.
• If you do want to enjoy water games, mix them with an activity such as gardening the lawn or washing the car.

Water conservation methods for kids are extremely essential and need to be taught the right way at the right time. A water crisis is about to dawn upon us if the right steps are not taken in time to conserve the resources in the best way possible. Educating children about these is a good way to make sure that the generation that grows up understands the necessity of it and keeps taking the right steps to ensure a better future for themselves and the generations to come.