Project WET FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does WET stand for?

Water Education Today. Our curriculum materials are designed for educators of all kinds—from classroom teachers and informal educators like scout troop leaders and nature center interpreters to parents and other family members.

Why water education?

Our Earth’s finite but renewable water resources affect the health and well-being of every person on the planet. That means we must protect, conserve and manage the water we have. Water education helps us do that. Water education also empowers us to address the water issues we have now and prepares us to confront future water challenges. Learn more:

Is the Project WET Foundation a nonprofit organization?

Yes! We are recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization under the laws of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of the Unites States. That means all or part of any donations you make to us may be tax deductible as a charitable contribution. (Please check with your tax advisor.) It also means we file a 990 form with the IRS each year. Those are available on our Guidestar listing or by contacting us.

How are you funded?

The work of the Project WET Foundation is supported by the thousands of individuals and organizations who purchase our materials each year and grants and contracts from public and private sponsors. Learn more about our sponsors.

How does Project WET fit into my classroom?

Project WET activities are designed to be easy to use to complement existing curricula rather than displace or add additional concepts. Activities fulfill objectives and educational standards in the sciences, as well as other disciplines, from fine arts to health. 

Do you have a list of things I can do to conserve water?

Absolutely. Here are 36 ideas, ranging from “do-it-today” to “make-a-plan” in difficulty:

  1. Replace older toilets with water-efficient models.
  2. Use a water-efficient showerhead.
  3. While brushing your teeth, turn off the water.
  4. Check your faucets. If they don't have water-saving aerators, be sure to add them.
  5. Collect rain water, and use it to water your garden.
  6. Turn off faucets tightly after each use.
  7. To minimize evaporation, water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler.
  8. Compost food waste rather than putting it in a garbage disposal.
  9. Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when they are full.
  10. Take shorter showers.
  11. Give your pet a bath on an area of your lawn that already needs watering.
  12. When giving your pet fresh water, use the old water to water a tree, shrub or plant.
  13. Add food coloring to your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak that needs to be fixed.
  14. Don't let the water run while you scrape pots and pans clean. Soak them instead!
  15. Instead of running the tap until water gets cold, keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator.
  16. When you are washing your hands, don't let the water run while you lather.
  17. After you clean your fish tank, give the nutrient-rich water to your plants.
  18. Water large areas of grass with sprinklers. Water small areas by hand to avoid waste.
  19. Don't use running water to thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator for food safety and water efficiency.
  20. When washing dishes, fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
  21. Wash dark clothes in cold water. It saves water and energy while keeping your clothes vibrantly-colored!
  22. Put your used tissues in the trash rather than flushing them down the toilet.
  23. If you have a new dishwasher, cut back on rinsing. New dishwashers clean more thoroughly than older ones.
  24. Collect the water you use to clean fruits and vegetables; then, use it to water houseplants.
  25. Encourage your school and community to adopt water-conserving habits.
  26. Mark the water level of your pool at the skimmer using a grease pencil. Check 24 hours later to see if you have a leak. If so, have it fixed.
  27. Set a kitchen timer when watering your lawn or garden. It will remind you when you stop!
  28. Learn how to shut off your automatic watering system in the event of malfunction or rain.
  29. Dump leftover ice from beverages into the soil of a plant.
  30. Use a nozzle for your hose that has a shut-off function or turn the hose off when washing your car.
  31. Water your plants thoroughly but less often to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.
  32. On windy days, keep from watering your lawn because the water with either blow away or evaporate.
  33. Check outdoor hoses, faucets and sprinklers for leaks.
  34. Use a broom to clean your driveway and sidewalks instead of a hose!
  35. Spread mulch around the base of plants to retain moisture and save water, time and money.
  36. Scrape uneaten food off plates instead of using water to rinse the food down the disposal.
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