Quickest Tips to Save Water: A H.S. Student’s Take

Why you should care

Imagine if all high school students made a shift to lessen their impact on water use.

As a high school student living in San Diego, California, I know that although conserving water is important, it can be difficult to make larger changes to accommodate for droughts and hotter seasons. Making large improvements to the home can be expensive, and it can be difficult for me to make large scale adjustments. But, I believe that there are still small, but important ways to contribute mindfully.

Lauren’s Tips For Conserving Water

1. Water plants either morning or night instead of the middle of the day.
2. Try to shorten shower time.
3. Go to the car wash instead of washing your car at home (also good for preventing car pollutants getting into our stormwater).
4. Put mulch around landscaping to slow down evaporation time.
5. Turn off the faucet whenever possible.
6. Only run the dishwasher when it is full.
7. Wash produce in a bowl of water instead of under running water.

Every day. I try to work on limiting shower time, turning off the faucet, washing produce in a bowl, and running the dishwasher when it’s full. I try not to shower for more than 15 minutes and do my best to limit it to 10. I also turn off the sink water when I brush my teeth in the morning and at night, as well as when I wash my face. Although it may not seem like doing these things will make a difference, it is important to remember that being conscientious can save significant amounts of water over time, especially in droughts and during hotter months of the year. I am doing my part everyday.

The eco-minded Lauren Kim Peterson interned with us in Summer 2019. She participated in our High School Expanding Horizons Intern Program.

Keywords: water conservation; save water; less water; waste water; home water consumption; tips and tricks; how to save water; use less water