It’s summer. The sun is beaming down on you. All you can think about is how to escape the scorching temperatures. How great it would it feel to take a dip in the pool or hose yourself down with cool water. But are you able to beat the heat while being water conscious?
One of the reasons water usage spikes during the summer is because we want to cool ourselves off. The average family normally uses about 320 gallons of water per day. That number can jump to 1,000 gallons per day during the summer months, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Some families will even use up to 3,000 gallons per day, which is about the same as leaving a garden hose running for eight hours.
This level of water use is bad for your water bill and puts a strain on local resources. Lucky for you, there are many ways to stay cool while conserving water.
Let’s go over a few summer activities you can do without using up too much water.
Cool Off While Watering Your Lawn
Many of us water our grass and plants to keep them beautiful during the summer. Why not have fun while doing it? Let you and your family cool off on a hot day by using a sprinkler as a water toy. Jump back and forth through the water jets while taking care of your property. It’s the easiest way to get the most out of watering your lawn and garden.
Don’t have a sprinkler? Use a hose and have your kids jump through the stream. It’s all the same to them. Just set up the hose or sprinkler, put on your bathing suit and have fun.
Play War with Water Bombs
Engage in a game of war by getting family members to launch water bombs at one another. A water bomb is basically a saturated sponge used to throw at somebody.
The water in the sponge splashes the victim, which both cools them down and satisfies the person throwing it. They can be used for a harmless competition between family members, and they don’t use up much water. Depending on how hot it is, you might want to be on the losing side.
Teach Your Kids How to Garden
If you’ve got a green thumb, it’s never too early to teach your kids how to properly maintain a garden. It’s an activity that can teach life skills, including how to take care of the things in and around the home. There’s also opportunity to teach children about water conservation.
This might help your kids learn about patience while waiting for the fruits of their labor to bloom. It can also teach them the value of starting and finishing a project.
Take a Trip to the Local Pool
The best way to conserve water at home is to not use any at all. Visit the local public pool to cool off on a hot day.
These facilities are well-staffed and always have trained lifeguards on duty to help with any problems. Relax knowing your children will be safe while they play with neighborhood kids.