THEME RELATED STUFF

Water Sayings:

Alice, Golden Empire Council

Here’s a list of some water sayings from around the world.  See how many you have heard and how many you can explain.

«  Even if you sit on the bottom of the sea, you cannot be a fish. (Africa)

«  Have an umbrella ready before you get wet.

«  A drop in the bucket

«  Blood is thicker than water

«  Break the ice

«  Down the drain

«  Finding your sea legs

«  Having a ripple effect

«  If a crocodile deserts the water, he will find himself on a spear (Africa)

«  It’s all water under the bridge

«  Like water off a duck’s back

«  Make a big splash

«  Somebody is all wet

«  Steamed up..

«  Still waters run deep

«  The stone in the water knows nothing of the hill which lies parched in the sun (Africa)

«  The well’s run dry

«  Treading water

«  Wet behind the ears

«  When it rains it pours

«  Watered down…

How many more can you think of?

Fun Facts About Water:

Alice, Golden Empire Council

«  Water, either liquid or frozen, covers about 75% of the earth’s surface.

«  About 30% of the earth’s fresh water is in groundwater and 70% is in ice (including ice caps, glaciers, permanent snow, ground ice, and permafrost)

«  They don’t call it watermelon for nothing – its 97% water!

«  The human body is 70% water!

«  A birch tree can release about 70 gallons of water into the atmosphere each day.

«  Water flowing at 10 miles an hour can move rocks 10 feet thick.

«  In Northern Chile, years go by without a drop of rain.

«  In parts of India, they get more than 400 inches a year of rain.

«  If all the land on the earth and under the sea were leveled out, water would cover the entire earth two miles deep!

«  Water has polar properties – a positive and a negative, while oil has no polar properties, which is why “Water & Oil don’t mix.”

«  One third of the earth’s annual precipitation runs off into the ocean.

«  It takes at least 600 gallons of water to make a hamburger – water for the cow to drink, water to grow what he eats, water to process the meat.  Add to that the following things you eat with your burger:

ü  Bag of hamburger buns – 150 gallons

ü  Head of lettuce – 6 gallons

ü  Tomatoes – 3 gallons

ü  French Fries – 6 gallons

Here are some more products and the amazing amounts of water it takes to produce a serving:

                Almonds:              12 gallons
                Orange:                 14 gallons
                Milk:                      65 gallons
                Rice :                     35 gallons
                Watermelon:        100 gallons
                1 Egg:                    120 gallons
                Loaf of bread:     150 gallons
                1 Car:                    39,000 gallons

Saving Water in the House:

Alice, Golden Empire Council

«  Replace older toilets with high efficiency models – Check with local water utility for possible rebates.

«  Toilet Devices are a less expensive alternative – They reduce the amount of water needed by filling up space in the tank.

«  Showerheads - Install a water efficient showerhead that uses no more than 2.5 gallons of water per minute. (Half what a normal showerhead uses)

«  Aerators - Low-flow aerators on your kitchen and bathroom faucets are easy to install and reduce water use and splashing . Your water company may provide them free!

«  Clothes washers – Newer models typically use about 30% less water and between 40 to 70% less energy – and rebates may be available!

Water Waste Prevention:

Alice, Golden Empire Council

«  Fix running toilets - A "running" toilet can waste two gallons of water per minute. A silent leak in a toilet can waste up to 7,000 gallons of water per month. To find silent leaks, put food coloring in the tank. Do not flush. Check the toilet bowl ten minutes later. If you see color in the bowl, the tank has a silent leak. Also, teach every member of your family where to shut off water at the toilet when making repairs or in case of a clog. Let your scout help fix the leak for credit in advancement or electives. Ask a home store or hardware store for instruction.

«  Fix leaking faucets - a slow steady drip (100 drops per minute) - wastes 350 gallons per month. A small stream wastes 2,000 to 2,700 gallons of water per month.  Replacing worn washers in your faucets will usually stop leaks.

«  Look for hidden leaks. Turn off all running water in the house.. Don't use any water for 30 minutes, then read the water meter. If it shows water used, you have a hidden leak that needs repair.

«  Save the water when running a faucet to get hot or cold temperature - put a gallon jug under the faucet. You can then use this water for other things around the house.

«  Insulate hot water pipes and your water heater where possible to minimize water waste while waiting for hot water.

«  While brushing your teeth, turn off the tap. Use a cup for water; run the tap only to rinse the toothbrush.

«  When showering and washing hands, wet your body. Turn off the water, apply soap, and then turn on the water to rinse.

«  When washing dishes by hand, instead of running water to rinse dishes, fill the kitchen sink and dip dishes in water to rinse.  Automatic dishwashers are more efficient than hand washing dishes, but wash only full loads.

«  Fill the sink or a bowl with water to wash fruits and vegetables.

«  Keep a container of water in the refrigerator rather than running tap water for a cool drink.

«  Operate the disposal only when necessary.  Consider composting food waste in your garden.

Saving Water in the Yard

Alice, Golden Empire Council

«  Water less frequently but more deeply.  Think of your soil as a reservoir that holds water for your plants.

«  Adjust your water controller according to the seasons.

«  Reduce runoff caused by long water application times. Three five-minute applications with an hour in between will allow the soil to absorb more of the applied water that one 15-minute application, and prevent runoff.

«  Exchange your irrigation controller for a Water-Smart Irrigation Controller. You may be eligible for a rebate from your local water district!

«  Routinely check your irrigation system for leaks, broken or misdirected heads.

«  Choose drip irrigation.  Drip irrigation systems apply water at gallons per hour instead of minutes!

«  Select plants that are adapted to your climate. Plants native to your area will need no water once established.  Check with a local nursery or master gardener..

«  Group plants according to their  high, medium, or low water needs.

«  Apply mulch to your garden – use at least 3 inches to maintain moisture,   suppress weeds, protect the irrigation system and give a finished look to the garden. Never apply mulch right up against the main stem or trunk of a plant.