All year long, we wait for the summer heat so that we can finally spend our weekends outside in the heat from dawn until dusk.
However, at this time of year, it’s important to remember that we need to protect our world’s most precious resource: water.
Whether you want to help your family do your part in water conservation, or simply want to lower your next water bill, here are some water-saving ideas, tips, and tricks to help your family reduce your water usage while still enjoying some outdoor-based water play this summer.
Water Hose and Sprinkler Play
Most people can remember the joy of running through a sprinkler in their yard as a child on the hottest of days. Playing in the water outdoors is a great way to keep cool and energized, but can also waste much more water than you may think.
Thankfully, your children can still enjoy these activities while being water-conscious. Make sure that sprinkler play coincides with watering a garden for a limited amount of time, and that the water doesn’t extend to areas of your yard that don’t require water.
If you wash your vehicle, have your child assist you with a high-efficiency spray nozzle that lets you control exactly how much water is being sprayed.
Have Fun While Saving Water
Have you tried turning water conserving activities into a fun game for your young children?
Create a bingo card, and fill it up with water-saving practices that can be performed daily, such as turning off the tap while teeth are being brushed, or keeping showers under 5 minutes.
Once your child has filled up their bingo card, treat them to a week off of chores, or take them out for their favorite summer sweet.
Other Exciting and Efficient Outdoor Water Activities
Some other great and water-efficient outdoor activities to keep cool during the summer months include playing in the rain.
Saving rain water in a barrel to use for water play or to make water balloons, or playing in a small pool that comes with a lid to limit the amount of water that evaporates on hot days.