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2 Every living thing on the planet needs water. Q: How long can different animals survive without a drink? Q: How about you? How much water do you need? Where does it come from? Let’s talk water…..

Let’s look at some animals….. Q: How much water does a kangaroo rat drink in a year? A: NONE! Kangaroo rats never, ever need to drink water! With bodies and lifestyles perfectly adapted to the desert, they can get all the water they need from their food… 3

Let’s look at some animals….. Q: How about an elephant? A: An adult elephant needs about 50 gallons each day! That’s over 18,000 gallons per year!!! 4 Elephant herds must migrate miles and miles to find enough water for their thirst….

A tiny organism called a tardigrade (“water bear, moss piglet”) can survive for 10 years or more without eating OR drinking!!! (Although they only achieve this feat by going into a state of ‘suspended animation.’) Willow Gabriel and Bob Goldstein, See more here: 5 EXTREME SURVIVOR!!!

On the other hand, humans can only survive a few days without water… In fact, water is SO IMPORTANT to the proper functioning of our bodies that even after a few hours, you can begin to see signs of DEHYDRATION – or the lack of water! DID YOU KNOW? One of the 1 st early signs of dehydration is…. GRUMPINESS! That’s right, irritability can be a sign of low-level dehydration. Amazingly, scientists estimate that about 75% of Americans are in a near-constant, low-level state of dehydration!!! That ’ s a LOT of grumpy people... 6

On the other hand, humans can only survive a few days without water… In fact, water is SO IMPORTANT to the proper functioning of our bodies that even after a few hours, you can begin to see signs of DEHYDRATION – or the lack of water! DID YOU KNOW? One of the 1 st early signs of dehydration is…. GRUMPINESS! Other signs include: Thirst Dry mouth Tiredness Dizziness Headache Less frequent / dark er urine 7

The water in you: Brain & Heart: 73% Lungs: 83% Bones: 31% 8

Water recommendations – daily intake Need for water can vary a lot. It depends on a number of factors, including: Health/diet Activity Level Weather 44oz 71oz 81oz 77oz 112oz Note: Total water includes all water contained in food & drinks.) 9 Did you know? Like a kangaroo rat, you can eat some of your water! Most fruits and veggies are 80%-90% water… What’s your favorite?

We can’t just drink ANY water. We need safe, clean drinking water. Water can contain: Microbes (germs) that can make us sick… Dirt, sediment, algae… Pollutants like metals, minerals, nutrients, and chemicals… That’s where your utilities come in!! At a water treatment plant, water is cleaned, then pumped through underground pipes…..right to your tap! Would you drink that?  10

So, if we ALL need safe, clean water … 11

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13 For more information, learning activities, and contest information, please visit: Here ’ s one way you can help ! SHARE what you ’ ve learned ! Draw a poster showing your favorite water fact or tip … …or continue on to the next section to learn more !