Every drop counts, being water wise!

Time Allocation: 30 - 40 minutes

Activity Level: Easy

Introduction

Water is the most common substance found on earth and less that 1% is available as fresh water. Yet all plants and animals need water to survive. We need to conserve and protect fresh water resources. The Every Drop Counts learning activity explores the many ways that water is used, how you can reduce your water usage and reuse water.

*Time allocation will be dependent on site selection and travel time.

Checklist

  • Printable activity sheet
  • Clipboards
  • Pencils

    • Instructions

    STEP 1

    Make a list in the activity sheet of all the ways you use water in your home and garden. Think about what you do each day from morning until night, as well as over a week and a year.

    Think about all the ways you use water at home. You might use water for:

    • drinking and cooking
    • washing, bathing and keeping clean
    • watering your garden
    • keeping cool and recreation activities.
    STEP 2

    There are different ways water moves through the urban water cycle and natural water cycle.

    Discuss the many ways waters arrives at your house. These may include:

    • mains water
    • dams
    • recycled water
    • rain water
    • bore water.
    STEP 3

    Use the Water Usage Table included in the activity sheet or the online Hunter Water: Water Usage Calculator to work out how much water you use each day.

    STEP 4

    Using the information gathered in Steps 1, 2 and 3, list ways you can save water in your home and garden. Talk as a family about what each of you can do to make a difference.

    Every drop counts!

    Extension Activity

    Design a water wise garden

    Water wise plants can cope with low rainfall and are a perfect addition to your garden. Think of what plants are already in your garden. What plants can you add to make a variety of places for animals to shelter? You can also use shallow containers for water, add sticks or stones on one side so smaller animals can get out if they fall in. Contact your local Landcare group for more information about the best plants suited to your local area.