Year 9 pupils visited the Christchurch Pump Station this term...

...as well as learning about how we get out water in Christchurch, we did an interactive activity to compare our water usage to families in other parts of the world. This is what we reported back to the class:

Ethiopia families only get 40 litres of water a day to use. They need to walk at least 20 minutes from the village to carry the water back to their homes. They also use:

· 0- using a composting toilet which requires no water

· 20 litres of water a day for drinking

· 6 litres for essential cooking

· 16 litres for essential washing for hygiene

Bolivia families only get 60 litres of water a day.

· 4 litres for boiling a jug for hot water

· 24 litres for cooking food

· 20 litres for family drinking

· 0 because they use a composting toilet

Sydney families use about 500 litres a day. They pay for every litre they use.

· A normal 5 minute shower uses 225 litres of water

· One load of washing clothes uses 225 litres of water

Christchurch families use about 2,840 litres of water a day. They do not pay per litre, but only a small cost on their rates.

It would seem we take our water for granted. We learned we need to reduce our water use by being water wise!