原文: Use Less Water in Seven Easy Steps

You probably already know the importance of water conservation. Surprisingly small changes in water usage habits can have a big impact both on the environment as well as on your water bill. By making a few simple changes in the way you use water, you can make a difference both now and for future generations. Here's how to use less water:

1. Stop Hogging the Shower

   If you're accustomed to taking twenty minute showers, you could be wasting a considerable amount of water. For each additional minute you add to your shower time, you're increasing water consumption by around a thousand gallons per year. Try to restrict your showers to five minute or less and watch your water bill go down.

2. Keep Your Toilet in Good Working Order

   Buy a low flow toilet and make sure it stays in good working order. Check the handles to make sure they don't stick when you flush. Check your toilet for leaks by adding food coloring to the tank. If it appears in your toilet, you have a leak that needs to be repaired.

3. Use Less Water When You Brush Your Teeth

   Instead of running the water the entire time you're brushing your teeth, use water only for a quick rinse. If everyone in your family were to do this, imagine how much money you'd save.

4. Keep a Jug of Drinking Water in the Refrigerator

   Keep a bottle of drinking water in the refrigerator and encourage your family to fill their glasses from it. This will eliminate repeated trips to the sink to get drinking water.

5. Cut Down on Use of Dishwashers, Washers, and Sryers

   Don't run your dishwasher when it's only half full. The same goes for washers and dryers. These appliances are big water users. Use them as infrequently as possible.

6. Install a New Shower Head

   Replace your current shower head with a low flow model and you'll reduce your water consumption by seventy-five percent.

7. Wash Veggies in a Bowl

   Instead of washing fruits and veggies under running water, fill a pan with clean water and gently brush your fruits and vegetables with a soft brush while in the water to remove pesticide residue and debris. This is an easy way to use less water and still clean fruits and vegetables properly.

Be aware of how you're using water on a daily basis. The key to making positive changes is to be more conscious and aware of how you're using our most precious resource, water.

译文: 在简单的七步中节水

     你可能已经了解了保护水资源的重要性。令人惊讶的是，在用水习惯上做一些微小改变就能够对环境和你的水费账单产生大影响。通过在用水方法上做些许简单的改变，你就能对现在和未来的几代人起重要作用。这里是一些节水的方法：

1．不要再长时间淋浴

     如果你习惯花二十分钟淋浴，你可能会浪费相当多的水。因为你用于淋浴的时间每多一分钟，你每年就会增加大约一千加仑的用水量。尽量将你的淋浴时间限制在五分钟或者更短，你会看到你的用水账单在下降。

2．使你的马桶保持良好运作

     买一个低水量的马桶并保证它运作良好。检查把手确保它们在你冲水时不会卡住。通过在水箱里添加食用色素来检查你的马桶是否漏水。如果有颜色出现，那你就得修补漏洞了。

3．刷牙时少用水

     刷牙时只在快速冲洗时用水而不要让水一直流着。如果家里的每个人都这样做，试想一下你会省多少钱。

4．在冰箱里存一罐饮用水

     在冰箱里存一瓶饮用水，并让你的家人从那取水喝。这样就可以省去反复到水槽取饮用水的麻烦。

5．减少洗碗机、洗衣机和干衣机的使用

     当洗碗机半满时不要使用它。洗衣机和干衣机也一样。这些家电都是耗水大户，尽可能不要频繁使用。

6．安装一个新的淋浴喷头

     用一个低流量型号的喷头更换你现在用的淋浴喷头。你将会省下75%的用水。

7．在盆里洗菜

     不要在流水下洗水果和蔬菜。接一盆清水，用一把软刷在水中轻轻清洗果蔬去除农药和洗涤残留物。这是一种能少用水而且可以妥善地洗净果蔬的简易方法。

     注意一下日常里你是如何用水的。做出积极改变的关键是更下意识注意你如何使用我们最宝贵的资源——水。