Harwich Water Deparment - Water Conservation & Protection

Water - Saving Tips for Kids by Kids

USE YOUR BLUE THUMB

Just like having a "green thumb," having a "blue thumb" shows you take care of water.

WHY DO WE NEED BLUE THUMB ACTIONS?

With only 1% of the earth's water available for drinking, we need to find ways to save water and keep from polluting the water we have.

WHERE CAN WE USE OUR BLUE THUMB PRACTICES?

Blue Thumb At home, at school, any public place. You can help water every time you reach out to turn off the tap, tell someone about a dripping faucet, and toss your trash into a container instead of on the ground around water sources.

FILL YOUR GLASS HALFWAY WHEN YOU GET A DRINK OF WATER.
That way you won't throw away water you don't drink.
Marble, Age 9
Manassas, VA

COLLECT RAINWATER IN A BUCKET.
You can use the water to play with instead of getting water from the hose.
Joseph, Age 8
Greenfield, WI

TURN DOWN THE HOT
If you want the hot water to become cooler, try turning the hot water down instead of turning the cold water up.
Anna, Age 14
Jackson, NJ

USE A CUP WHEN YOU DRINK FROM A FOUNTAIN.
Fill up a cup instead of leaning down and trying to gulp down all that water at once. Use the paper cup over and over again, and then recycle.
Sheena, Age 9
Hutchinson, KS

SAVE THE WATER FROM BOILING SPAGHETTI NOODLES POTATOES.
When cool, you can use it to water your plants.
Lesley, Age 12
Needville, TX

HAND WASH STUFFED ANIMALS.
Take them in the bathtub with you when you take a bath.
Sonny, Age 6
Farlov, Sweden

OTHER WAYS TO HELP WATER:

Check for leaky faucets and let the people in charge know leaks waste water.
Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth. You'll save 2-3 gallons per day.
Wash your bike with a bucket and sponge instead of letting the hose run. Hoses can waste 5 gallons a minute while a bucket uses only 1 gallon total.
Use a broom to clean sidewalks instead of a hose. It's not as much fun, but better for water.
Listen to weather forecasts so you don't water the lawn when it's going to rain.
Ask your parent to take used motor oil to a recycling center. Oil poured on the ground or down the sewer drain can pollute water.
Keep used household batteries out of the trash and landfills. They contain toxins that pollute water. Ask your parents to take them to a collection center.

American Water Works Association