Water conservation is something that all people of the globe need to commit to so the supply of the world’s drinking water continues to be clean and plentiful. One way to promote water conservation practices is to get started with children. If you have kids, you can get them more interested in the issues surrounding drinking water so they will commit to these best practices as an adult. Here are 10 steps to take with your family to help promote clean and accessible drinking water.
1. Teach Children About Wasting Water
First, you must teach your children about why it’s not good to waste water. Then, you’ve got to show them how to limit their water use each day. Have them turn off the faucet when they brush their teeth so water doesn’t get wasted during the two-minute routine. Teach them how to take shorter showers and not to play with water in the faucet. This way, you can help them get started with appreciating resources.
2. Schedule a Trip to a Water Treatment Plant
The next idea you could try with your kids is to schedule a visit to your local water treatment plant. Most regions have several water treatment plants you could choose from for a fascinating field trip with your child. You can go to a drinking water treatment plant to show your child where the water from the tap actually comes from, or you could take a visit to your local wastewater and sewage treatment plant to see what happens to the water after it gets flushed.
3. Tell Children About International Water Problems
There are also opportunities to teach your kids about some of the issues with water availability in other countries. Civil war and a desert climate have made the water crisis in South Sudan a serious issue that has killed many people. Telling kids about others the same age who may not have access to a fresh supply of water can help them understand the impact of their own actions even more.
4. Model Excellent Water Conservation Habits
It’s also important to practice what you preach. If you don’t practice your own stellar water conservation habits around your children each day, the impact of telling them what to do about water won’t be as important in their eyes. Water conservation can be a family affair in your household.
5. Use a Rainwater Harvesting System
Some families can try some unique water conservation projects to help give kids a more hands-on approach to the water issue. One idea is to invest in a rainwater harvesting system for your house and use your collected rainwater to water plants and your garden.
6. Have Low Flow Toilets
Another easy way to model water conservation best practices in your home is focusing on your bathroom. Your kids will be able to help save some water if you get a low flow toilet installed in your home.
7. Wash Clothes With Less Water
You’ve also got to update your appliances, such as your washer and dishwasher, to newer, more energy-efficient models. When you’re washing clothes, be sure to use the low water cycle to help promote a friendlier environment and save more of this natural resource. When your kids wash clothes or help you with chores, show them how to conserve as well.
8. Research Water Conservation Projects
It’s also smart to help your child research some of the innovative water conservation projects going on around the country, such as the Cadiz Water Project in Southern California. Learning about a project like this, which aims to bring more drinkable water to the drier regions of California, can help kids truly see the importance of conserving water and how it affects millions of people. In some cases, kids can also help and get involved in their local community.
9. Encourage Water Science Fair Projects
There is also a great opportunity for your kids to find out more about this issue with their own research project for a science fair. When it’s time to pick a topic for the annual science project, encourage your child to learn more about water conservation or the environmental concerns facing the water supply. This process can help your child understand these issues even more and see things from a new perspective.
10. Donate to Water Organizations
Finally, donating to a water conservation project can also be a rewarding experience for your child. Enterprising young people can set up some sort of fundraiser to help their favorite water non-profit group. Not only does this type of activity help support your community, but it can help your child develop necessary life skills in communication, business, and philanthropy. Even if your kids only raise a few dollars, the experience is worth much more.
Water conservation is a job that everyone must be part of, and you can get your kids involved easily. Show them why this issue is important, and give them some options to get in on the action.
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