Because water is such a precious resource, it is very important for you to do your part in helping to protect our watershed.

Did you know?

That we have the same amount of water on Earth today as we had yesterday, last year, or even 100 years ago. There is actually the same amount of water on Earth today that there has been since the Earth was first formed. That means water is over three billion years old! Wow, that really is old! The problem with water today is that more water is in demand for industry, recreation, and many other uses. It is very important to protect and conserve this water.

Ways you can help:

Conserve water around your house: Conserving water at home is a great way to reduce the amount of water we each use.

Things you and your family can do to save water at home:

Make sure the faucets and/or toilets are not leaking water and if they are be sure to have them fixed
A leaky faucet can waste up to 2,000 gallons or 7,600 liters of water in a year
A leaky toilet can waste up to 200 gallons or 260 liters of water in a single day

Replace old faucets and shower heads and also dish and clothing washers with low-flow devices

Turn off the water when you brush your teeth

Run dish and clothing washers only when full

Take shorter showers and avoid letting water run when you are not suing it

Wash your car only when necessary and use a bucket to the water you use

Do not over-water your lawn or garden and try to water after the sun goes down.

Planting low-water use grass and shrubs can even reduce how much and how often you have to water

Cut back water use wherever you can!

Be conscious of what you put into your water: Properly disposing of chemicals and waste can ensure that they do not end up in our water.

Things you and your family can do to help protect our water sources:

Recycle motor and automotive oils at the garage. Never poor these things down a drain

Recycle car batteries. Never let the fluids in these leak

Properly dispose of extra paint, solvents, chemicals, and household pesticides and herbicides at collection centers. Never poor these liquids down a drain

Reduce your use of pesticides and herbicides or look for environmentally friendly alternatives

Click here to test what you have learned and then discuss What’s Wrong with This Picture http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/NPS/kids/whatwrng.htm

And test your water at home to be sure it is clean, safe, and healthy: Many times this can be done through the local health department, conservation district, or a private service. You can not always tell if water is safe by drinking it. Color, odor, and taste may be fine and yet the water may still need to be treated. You can also contact the local water utility and ask for a water quality report if you have town or borough water.

You and you parents can become involved: Encourage your Mom, Dad, or older friends and family members to teach themselves about the Juniata Watershed and the importance of clean water. They can even become a member of the Juniata CleanWater Partnership. You can click here for additional information http://www.jcwp.org/become%20a%20member.htm

Stay involved! And encourage others to become involved, too!