Kids Tips

  1. #1

    There are a number of ways to save water, and they all start with you.

  2. #2

    When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run. Fill one basin with wash water and the other with rinse water.

  3. #5

    Designate one glass for your drinking water each day, or refill a water bottle. This will cut down on the number of glasses to wash.

  4. #8

    Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.

  5. #11

    Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain.

  6. #15

    If you accidentally drop ice cubes, don’t throw them in the sink. Drop them in a house plant instead.

  7. #18

    When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.

  8. #19

    Washing dark clothes in cold water saves water and energy, and helps your clothes retain their color.

  9. #24

    Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you’ll save up to 150 gallons per month.

  10. #25

    Time your shower to keep it under 5 minutes. You’ll save up to 1,000 gallons per month.

  11. #32

    Turn off the water while you brush your teeth and save up to 4 gallons a minute. That’s up to 200 gallons a week for a family of four.

  12. #36

    Turn off the water while washing your hair and save up to 150 gallons a month.

  13. #37

    When washing your hands, turn the water off while you lather.

  14. #38

    Take 5-minute showers instead of baths. A full bathtub requires up to 70 gallons of water.

  15. #40

    Drop tissues in the trash instead of flushing them and save water every time.

  16. #44

    Teach children to turn off faucets tightly after each use.

  17. #45

    Watch the Home Water Challenge video or use the Home Water Audit Calculator to see where you can save water.

  18. #46

    When the kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area where your lawn needs it most.

  19. #47

    Encourage your school system and local government to develop and promote water conservation among children and adults.

  20. #48

    Play fun games while learning how to save water!

  21. #51

    Reward kids for the water-saving tips they follow.

  22. #52

    Avoid recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water.

  23. #55

    Be a leak detective! Check all hoses, connectors, and faucets regularly for leaks.

  24. #57

    See a leak you can’t fix? Tell a parent, teacher, employer, or property manager, or call a handyman.

  25. #58

    At home or while staying in a hotel, reuse your towels.

  26. #59

    Make suggestions to your employer or school about ways to save water and money.

  27. #123

    Don’t overfill the pool. Lower water levels will reduce water loss due to splashing.

  28. #124

    Keep water in the pool when playing, it will save water.

  29. #131

    Use a hose nozzle or turn off the water while you wash your car. You’ll save up to 100 gallons every time.

  30. #132

    Wash your pets outdoors, in an area of your lawn that needs water.

  31. #133

    When cleaning out fish tanks, give the nutrient-rich water to your non-edible plants.

  32. #134

    When you give your pet fresh water, don’t throw the old water down the drain. Use it to water your trees or shrubs.

  33. #135

    Use a broom instead of a hose to clean patios, sidewalks and driveways, and save water every time.