Water Education

Water Quality Infor​mation 

Did you know the Environmental Protection Agency closely regulates municipal tap water? Ann Arbor’s Water Treatment Plant staff perform approximately 15,000 drinking water tests monthly. Ann Arbor’s tap water is a frequent winner of the regional Michigan Water Tasting Competition, too!

Save Money and Be Green

Besides offering a safe and reliable source of water, Ann Arbor’s tap water is a great value. Refilling a 16-ounce water bottle from the tap costs less than one penny and is better for the environ​ment. You can fill 4,000 16-ounce water bottles for less than one dollar.

Protect A​​nn Arbor's Water Resources

The Huron River is Ann Arbor's main source of drinking water. Did you know that the storm drains lead directly to the river, without treatment? Dumping waste into storm drains, ditches, or waterways contaminates drinking water supplies, recreational areas, and wildlife habitat. Plus, it is illegal! If you see illegal dumping, tell your parents and ask them to report it right away. You will help prevent further water contamination and reduce potential clean-up costs.

Conserving water

Everyone wants to do their part to keep safe, affordable drinking water available in their community. With these simple suggestions it's easy for kids to do their part too! 

How Much Water is Used to...

  • Brush your teeth? 1 gallon
  • Take a bath? 20 gallons
  • Take an 8 minute shower? 36 gallons
  • Run the dishwasher? 9 gallons/load
  • Hand-wash the dishes? 20 gallons
  • Run the washing machine? 25 gallons/load
  • Flush the toilet? 5 gallons
  • ​Kids Water Maze Activity Page

Read some water conservation tips below to see what you can do to use less water!

  • Take shorter showers. 
  • Draw less water for baths, try only filling tub halfway.
  • Don't use the toilet as a trash can: tissues, cotton balls, etc, should be thrown in the garbage, not flushed.
  • Turn off water while brushing teeth. 
  • Tell Mom or Dad if you notice a leaky faucet

ACTIVITY: Ask your parents to help you check your toilet for "silent" leaks by placing a little food coloring in the tank and see if it leaks into the bowl.

  • Remind your parents to only run the dishwasher for full loads 
  • Don't let the faucet run to get a cold drink, keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead. 
  • Remind your parents to only run the washing machine for a full load of clothes.

ACTIVITY: Make signs to remind your parents and siblings about turning off the faucet. Use the tips you've learned and ask for your parents' permission to place reminder signs around the house.

  • Only water the lawn and garden when it needs it. One inch of water every 10 days keeps lawns healthy and green. Water at cooler times like at night or early in the morning to prevent evaporation.   
  • Adjust water sprinklers so that they are reaching the garden and lawn rather than watering the driveway or sidewalk. 
  • Remind your parents to cut the grass at least 3 inches high to shade the roots, so that it will be more drought tolerant and won't need to be watered as often. 
  • When helping wash the car or your bicycle use a bucket and a hose with a nozzle so that water isn't running during soaping. 
  • Sweep the driveway and sidewalk with a broom rather than hosing it down. 

ACTIVITY: make a rain gauge out of a 1 inch tall tuna can and measure water collected from rain and sprinklers. Remind your parents to water less if the can fills up in less than 10 days!

Water material

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