Save Every Drop

A free interactive lesson on saving water — only 3% of Earth's water is fresh and most of that is frozen. Learn how everyday habits waste thousands of litres and simple ways to conserve water. Class 4 Science. Includes a quick quiz.

Class 4 ScienceClass 4 / Grade 4Ages 6–9
Lesson
💧 Save Every Drop
We are running out of fresh water!97%salty ocean3%fresh!Most freshwater is frozen in glaciers — very little is left for us!

Imagine filling a hundred glasses with water from Earth. Ninety-seven of those glasses would be salty ocean water — impossible to drink. Three glasses would be freshwater. Now imagine that almost all of those three glasses are locked in glaciers and ice caps. Only a tiny amount is in rivers, lakes, and underground — and that is all we have for drinking, farming, and cooking for eight billion people.

How much water is really available?

Of all the water on Earth, 97% is salty ocean water. Of the remaining 3%, most is locked in glaciers and ice caps. Only about 1% of all Earth's water is accessible fresh water — in rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers. This tiny fraction must supply 8 billion people, all agriculture, and all ecosystems.

How much water do everyday activities waste?

  • A 10-minute shower: up to 100 litres
  • A dripping tap (1 drop/second): ~30 litres per day, over 10,000 litres per year
  • Leaving tap running while brushing teeth: 6 litres per minute
  • A running hose for 30 minutes: ~180 litres

Frequently asked questions

What percentage of Earth's water is fresh?

Only 3% — and most of that is frozen in glaciers. Less than 1% of all Earth's water is liquid freshwater accessible to humans.

What is a simple way to save water at home?

Fix leaking taps immediately (a drip a second = 10,000 litres per year), take shorter showers, collect rainwater for plants, and turn off the tap while brushing teeth.

Why does saving water matter if it's recycled by the water cycle?

The water cycle does recycle water, but it cannot keep up with the speed at which humans use and pollute freshwater. Groundwater aquifers can take thousands of years to refill.

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