Let's all do our part to conserve water

As you well know by now, Maryland is in a severe drought, and we must do all we can to conserve this precious resource. The weathermen can't "make" it rain; but we as a state can help to prevent any more unnecessary water loss. We can do that by conserving our valuable water.

I am a sixth-grader at Sykesville Middle School in Carroll County. My inspiration for writing this has come from a movie we watched in my science teacher, Mrs. Ray's, class and from going to Outdoor School (Camp Hoshawha). I feel strongly that we, not only as a state or nation or country, but as a world, use too much water. Most of the water we use doesn't have to be used, so we are wasting it. And I know that we like our long, hot showers. But even just making an effort to conserve water will make a difference.

First, here are some facts. Did you know that one load of dishes that you put in your dishwasher can use up to 20 gallons of water? That to flush the toilet once uses about 10 gallons? That a five-minute shower uses about 50 gallons of water?

Personally, you may not think that it makes that much of a difference, but if we all pitch in and do our part, then you'll be surprised at how much water we save.

Megan Hurley

Eldersburg