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Water Conservation
er Conservation
Water is essential to life on Earth. We consume it, use it in our
homes and businesses, in manufacturing and agriculture and
to create electricity. Although it may seem abundant with 70%
of the Earth’s surface covered by water, only 3% of the world’s
water is freshwater. To make it even more limited, two-thirds
of this freshwater is unavailable for humans to use, such as the
freshwater frozen in glaciers. Clean, fresh water is an extremely
limited and valuable resource.
What is Water Scarcity?
Water scarcity is when there is not enough fresh water to meet the needs of the
community within a given area. Billions of people worldwide experience water scarcity
and this number is increasing steadily over time. People who live in areas of water
scarcity have very limited access to clean drinking water and often experience illness and
poor sanitation because of the quality of the water that is available to them.
What Causes Water Scarcity?
Water scarcity is one of the biggest problems facing humankind. There are many factors
that affect water scarcity, both human and natural. Climate change, overpopulation,
increased water use and pollution all contribute to water scarcity. There is enough fresh
water for the Earth’s population, but it is unevenly distributed with much of it being
wasted, polluted or managed in an unsustainable way.
• Did You Know...?
Water conservation is something that everyone can do to take
action against water scarcity and help protect our global water
supplies. Conserving water helps the environment, combats
climate change, prepares us for potential water shortages and
reduces pollution. It can also save money and teaches us to be
responsible in our water use. Making small changes to our water
usage and developing responsible water management habits can
make a big difference.
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Water Conservatio
What can I do?
There are many easy ways that you can save water in your home.
• Turn off the tap when you are brushing your teeth.
• Catch rainwater in a bucket and use it to water plants in
your garden.
• Wash your car with a bucket instead of a hose. Park it on a patch of
grass if possible to give your lawn a drink at the same time!
• Take short showers instead of having a bath.
• Be a leak detective! If you hear a dripping tap, let an adult know so that they can
have it fixed.
• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your footpaths and driveway.
• Water your garden between dusk and dawn.
• Ask your family to choose water-efficient showers, toilets, taps and appliances.
Did You Know?
Scientists agree that most humans can only survive for around three
days without water.
Did You Know?
The amount of water on Earth is the same as it has always been, but
it is becoming less accessible.
Did You Know?
Most toilets in Canada are flushed with clean drinking water.
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Water Conservation Questions
1. How much of the Earth’s surface is covered by water?
⎕ 3%
⎕ 25%
⎕ 70%
⎕ 97%
2. Approximately how long can a human survive without water?
⎕ 3 hours
⎕ 3 days
⎕ 3 weeks
⎕ 3 months
3. List three ways that water is used by humans.
4. What is water scarcity?
5. What is one way that you can conserve water?
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Water Conservation Questions
6. Make a convincing argument for someone to install water-saving showerheads.
7. If we have the same amount of water on Earth as we have always had, why is water scarcity
a problem?
8. How does water scarcity contribute to illness?
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Water Conservation Answers
1. How much of the Earth’s surface is covered by water?
⎕ 3%
⎕ 25%
⎕ 70%
⎕ 97%
2. Approximately how long can a human survive without water?
⎕ 3 hours
⎕ 3 days
⎕ 3 weeks
⎕ 3 months
3. List three ways that water is used by humans.
Answers could include consumption, home and business use, manufacturing, agriculture
and electricity.
4. What is water scarcity?
When the demand for water is greater than the available supply.
5. What is one way that you can conserve water?
Answers will vary.
6. Make a convincing argument for someone to install water-saving showerheads.
Answers will vary.
7. If we have the same amount of water on Earth as we have always had, why is water scarcity
a problem?
Answers will vary but could include climate change, overpopulation, pollution or
increased demand.
8. How does water scarcity contribute to illness?
Answers will vary but could include poor quality drinking water, poor sanitation or
poor hygiene.
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