Why Save Water?

Only 1% of the Earth’s water is available for human use. The rest is either salt water or is frozen. Even though water is recycled through the water cycle, humans use fresh water faster than it can be replenished. Humans are not the only ones who use fresh water; this precious resource is also used by all living organisms within the environment. Saving water is healthy for the planet, saves energy, and saves money. Since water is such a limited resource, it is crucial that people learn to carefully use water and to find ways that they can cut down on their daily usage.

Our Educational Pledge

As educators we want to create a forum for learners and teachers alike to explore and and expand on water conservation for the planet, for the nation, and for education. We have collected statistics, facts, and tips on how to conserve and aid in the water crisis from a global to a local level perspective. We believe that water conservation practices begin in the schools within the architectural layout and the curriculum we teach.

Cartoon/ Video

Video Link: http://www.savewateramerica.com/home.swa#/water_savings_ideas_-_what_more_can_i_do/

What is happening on the planet? A glance at water wise practices and usage worldwide

Statistics

• Americans constitute 5% of the world's population but consume 24% of the world's energy. On average, one American consumes as much energy as 2 Japanese, 6 Mexicans, 13 Chinese, 31 Indians, 128 Bangladeshis, 307 Tanzanians, or 370 Ethiopians.
• The global water footprint in the period 1996-2005 was 9087 Gm/yr (74% green, 11% blue,   15% grey). Agricultural production contributes 92% to this total footprint.
• Consumption of cereal products gives the largest contribution to the water footprint of the average consumer (27%), followed by meat (22%) and milk products (7%). The contribution of different consumption categories to the total water footprint varies across countries.

What is happening in our nation? A glance at water practices and usage in the USA

Statistics:

• In 2005, about 410,000 million gallons per day (Mgal/d) of water was withdrawn for use in the United States.
• In 2005 California and Texas used the most water out of the U.S., between 20,000 and 46,000 gallons of water a day.
• Irrigation accounts for about a third of water use and is currently the largest use of fresh water in the United States.

Sustainable Schooling

There is no doubt that all of this material examining how to aid in the water crisis is beneficial for our communities and societies to be well aware. However, we cannot stop here, we have to educate our children early on about these statistics, facts, and tips of water conservation and model these ideas within the school structure itself. Here are some tips to help foster an ideal school equipped with water conservation curriculum and architecture that will inevitably help our children become water conservationists.  

Architecture

Designing a school that is water conscious consists but are not limited to these conservation practices. These are ways in which districts can begin implementing change in the greater society.

• Sustainable Plumbing-  Implementing high efficiency low flush toilets in schools, along with quick on/off sink faucets will help lower the daily use of water in schools.
• Sustainable Landscape- Landscape the school depending on the climate of the school and implement native plants that will help conserve water in your area. Check out these websites for particular drought resistant plants.
• http://www.californiagardens.com/Lists/Drought_Tolerant_List.htm
• http://www.bewaterwise.com/great_native.html
• Water Restoration- This includes rerouting rain water or any other excess usage for recycled use such as sprinklers and other watering devices.
• Aquatic Development- Schools that are able to implement swimming pools, should look into salt water and solar heated pooling options. Solar heated pools use the suns energy to heat the pool, using solar panel pool covers.

Curriculum

Implementing water conservation is important not only on an architectural level but also on an academic level as well. Bringing sustainable water practices into curriculum gives students’ an opportunity to understand the reasoning behind the special design of their school and to find ways that they can have a positive impact on their environment as individuals. Teachers have the power to excite their students about water conservation by creating interactive lesson plans and activities as well as by helping them to establish personal goals for a sustainable lifestyle. Below is an example of a brief lesson plan with an objective that students will learn about their individual water usage as well as ways to save water in everyday ways.

Sample Lesson Plan

I. Opening

a. Spark students’ interests with surprising water facts.

    ex: In 2005, about 410,000 million gallons per day (Mgal/d) of water was
                withdrawn for use in the United States.

b. Prompt students to think about what their water usage might be. Show the

   students what a gallon of water looks like and ask students how many gallons

   of water they think they might use when they take a shower, flush the toilet, or

   run the faucets at their home. Do this in a group discussion format.

c. Have students write down their guesses.

d. Ask students why it might be important to find out how much water they use?

   Ask students why they think learning how to save water would be important.

Graphs/Maps

Here are some graphs that compare water usage around the world, and the differences between developed countries and those that are still developing. These graphs also include the percentages that go towards agriculture, domestic use, and industry, and how much is taken from fresh water sources. (Jade) and this is the source I used to obtain this information:
http://blogs.princeton.edu/chm333/f2006/water/2006/11/how_does_water_use_in_developing_countries_differ.html

Resources

For more information check out these water webpages!

• wateruseitwisely.com
• Quick tips of 100 ways to conserve, water and energy.
• www.water.org
• Water facts, lesson plans and much more

• http://www.dcwater.com/kids/activities/dailywaterusage.html
• Geared toward younger children, activites about water use, conservation etc

• http://www.h2oconserve.org/home.php?pd=index
• find out your daily water footprint