3月22日是世界水日，今年的主题是：珍惜水、爱护水。水资源是有限的，如果每人每天少用一滴水，一年节约的水量可达几十万吨。其实，只要改变一下你的生活方式，在家就能成为节水小能手。

 

1. Fix minor¹ leaks around your home.

 

Replace damaged pipes and leaky faucets³ to avoid wasting water. Inspect your water meter and utility bills every month to see how much water you're using. If you notice a random⁴ spike⁵, it may be a sign that you have a leaky pipe somewhere in your home. A poorly-sealed pipe or leaky toilet can waste up to 340 L of water a day, so resolving these problems can save a lot of water in the long run.

 

2. Turn the faucet² off while you brush or shave.

 

This is one of the easiest ways to cut back on your water usage. There's no need to keep the water running while you're in the process of cleaning your teeth or trimming your beard. It may sound hard to believe, but you can save roughly 760 L of water a month just by shutting the water off once you go about your business!

 

3. Take shorter showers.

 

Get into the habit of taking showers that last 5 minutes or less whenever you can. Everyone loves a long, hot shower, but your showerhead uses roughly 7.6 L of water a minute. You'll save a lot of water over time if you stick with short rinses⁷, and you'll be just as squeaky clean as you normally would after a long shower.

 

4. Switch to water-saving fixtures⁸.

 

Swap⁹ out your showerhead and faucets for low-flow alternatives. By upgrading your showerhead and sink fixtures, you'll cut back dramatically on your water usage. This is an easy way to conserve¹⁰ water without even changing the way you wash, flush, or shower!

 

5. Run your dishwasher and washing machine only when it's full.

 

Using household appliances more effectively is a great way to save water. There's nothing wrong with trying to keep your kitchen clean, but you're going through a lot of water if you're in the habit of running your dishwasher every day. By waiting until the dishwasher is full, you're getting the most bang for your buck¹¹ when it comes to the water you're using. And always make sure that you have enough dirty clothing for a full load.

 

6. Use water-efficient appliances.

 

The next time you need to replace a dishwasher, washing machine, or water heater, purchase a water-efficient appliance. Not only will this cut back on your water consumption, but you'll save money over time when it comes to utility costs.

 

7. Avoid washing your car or use a bucket.

 

Put the hose down and let the rain clean your car for you. If you do feel the need to wash your vehicle, fill a few buckets instead of using your garden hose to clean your vehicle off and rinse⁶ it. If you use a hose to wash your vehicle, you'll use roughly 190 L of water. A few buckets will only require 19–38 L, though.

点击收听单词发音