How To Educate Kids About Safe And Clean Water Sources

Introduction

Water is life. It nurtures and soothes our body and soul on a hot day. Not only the earth but even human bodies comprise 70% water. Since the universal solvent plays such a significant role in human existence and life on earth, its importance should be taught to kids early.

Ironically enough, despite having so much water nearby, most humans do not have enough of it to drink. A report by Axis India highlights the current water crisis in India. More than 50% of the Indian population has no access to safe drinking water and around 200,000 people die every year due to this.

India’s fast-depleting groundwater reserves have ranked it 120 out of 122 countries in the global water quality index. The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) has termed this to be India’s worst water crisis in its history. This highlights the immense importance and vitality of teaching kids about safe and clean water sources.

Estimates show that by 2030, almost half of India’s households may no longer have access to drinking water. Since children are the pillars of the nation’s future, they must be educated about good water sources and proper conservation practices. Here’s a quick guide on teaching kids about clean and safe water sources, along with tips.

Tips On Educating Kids About Safe And Clean Water Sources

Water availability and sources are no longer as pure or easy as they were before due to a wide range of pollutants, environmental factors, and anthropogenic reasons. Rainwater used to be considered the purest, natural source of water. But the current levels of sulphuric and nitric acid in the atmosphere beg to differ.

As a result, children can no longer drink rainwater directly or carry water vessels from the river with safe water. There are bound to be chemicals in it. Comparatively, water from personal wells and public water pumps using ground aquifers provide water in a convenient manner to the masses.

But even then, the water should be collected, boiled and then consumed for ideal cleanliness and safety. After all, in India, young children's deaths due to diarrhea and dirty water are as frequent as every two minutes or so. So, it is vital for kids to follow the tips listed below when seeking clean and safe water sources.

Explain The Water Cycle And Sources

You can start by teaching your kids the basics of the water cycle. From the evaporation of water from lakes and rivers to the condensation of clouds to heavy rainfall, the cycle continues and keeps providing the earth with fresh water for drinking and other purposes. Using this, it will be easier for parents and teachers to explain the water source of their particular locality along with tips on how to maintain it.

Make A Rainwater Garden

Try making a rainwater garden at home if space and soil quality permits. It will help utilize rainwater to grow plants and flowers and waste none. While it may require a couple of days of hard work, with loosening and scooping out soil, laying water outlets, piping, and stones, the beautiful result will be worth it. If there is any standing water issue for aquatic plants, be sure to include lots of guppy fish in the mix as they keep mosquito-laden eggs and diseases at bay.

Try Water Recycling

Try water cycling at home before explaining it to kids. Remember, hygiene should not be compromised in the process. Water cycling simply refers to utilizing used water for other household activities. For example, pour leftover water from washing and cleaning vegetables into your plants. This will prevent water wastage and will help the earth in multiple ways.

Go Camping

Take your kids camping to help them teach how to draw water from a source, purify it, and then use it thrifty. Once your kids have tried dragging gallons of water over to the campsite, they will automatically start appreciating it more. Teach them how to purify water by either boiling or disinfecting it using water filters and purification tablets. These will significantly lower the risk of water-borne diseases and teach your kids to appreciate the various bountiful gifts of nature.

Clarify Consequences

Make the consequences of water depletion, pollution, and consumption of contaminated water clear to kids. While age-appropriate education is essential, there is also little use in beating around the bush. So, engage your kids in conversations about the environment's upcoming conservation policies by international standards, and teach them how to recycle water, lest it runs out too soon for humans.

Conclusion

It is vital for kids to know about safe and clean water sources as it will enable them to be a part of the environmental conservation and conservation community. Nobody can sit back and wait to see how things turn out in 2030. As your child’s well-being and future lie in the balance, give this guide a try now. It will help you easily educate your kids on proper and safe water sources.