at home
If we all became more aware of where our water comes from and where it goes, we would ensure that whatever we put down storm drains or allow to seep into the earth doesn't harm the water cycle. . . and in turn ourselves and other lifeforms. We can alleviate overburdening our local water systems by efficiently and effectively using the water that comes our way!
in community
We can, and should, conserve water on a personal level. But there are some great ways that our towns and municipalities can embrace water conservation. Stormwater management is time consuming and costly, but the natural world has solutions available to us for a fraction of the cost. The City of Victoria has incentives for landowners who are managing rainwater sustainably (more). China is leading the way in sponge cities . . . cities using nature based olutions, incorporating the water that comes their way, rather than trying to just divert it. And at the same time it replenishes our aquifers. Learn more.
Green infrastructure is becoming a more popular model to look at when cities and municipalities are addressing stormwater infrastructure. It alleviates stress on man-built systems and makes economic sense. Learn more. The charts below have been adapted from a 2017 Municipal Natural Assets document created for the Town of Gibsons. (Defining and Scoping Municipal Natural Assets)
"Canadians rank second only to the United States in terms of highest per capita water use in the developed world. A “general lack of awareness” about the pressures placed on Canadian water supplies, combined with a “lack of strong water conservation ethic, which is encouraged by the myth of water abundance” helps to explain this poor standing."more
Program on Water Governance
Use it.
Don't abuse it.
Don't lose it.
Conserving water is key to ensuring we continue to have it! There are a multitude of ways that we can save water, both indoors and outdoors, at work and at home. Changing a few habits can have a big impact. Why not save water, save money, and save the planet. . .all by little actions that are easy to adopt? Learn more