WE all need clean water

Water is essential for life and plays a vital role in the proper functioning of the Earth's ecosystems. The pollution of water has a serious impact on all living creatures, and can negatively affect the use of water for drinking, household needs, fishing, transportation, and commerce.

Water has two primary functions in our everyday lives' bathing and consumption. Water can easily be contaminated (one gallon of motor oil can contaminate one million gallons of water), which will affect not only water we drink, but water that comes into our houses and the natural water sources we swim in.

Keep our water clean by:

• Make responsible choices. Think before you throw unwanted materials away.
  
  
• Use less toxic cleaning products.
  
  
• Never flush medications down the toilet. Take unused medications back to pharmacy for proper disposal.
  
  
• Recycle household paints at local PRODUCT CARE locations. Gibsons Recycling Depot and the Sechelt landfill offer this service.
  
  
• Recycle motor oil and oil filters. Never pour oil down storm drains.
  
  

In less than 20 years, it is estimated that demand for fresh water will exceed the world's supply by over 50%. We need to conserve water. Use water wisely.

Some Water SAVING TIPS

• Replace your showerhead with an ultra low-flow version, saving up to = 2.5 gallons per minute
  
  
• Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap = for cold drinks
  
  
• Wash your produce in a pan that is partially filled with water instead = of running water. Then use water in garden.
  
  
• Use porous materials for walkways and patios to keep water in your yard = and prevent wasteful runoff.
  
  
• Direct downspouts and gutters towards shrubs and trees.
  
  
• Use a layer of organic mulch around plants to reduce evaporation and = save hundreds of gallons of water a year.
  
  
• Avoid unnecessary flushing. Dispose of tissues, insects and other waste = in trash.
  
  
• Reuse fish tank water on plants - it makes nice fertilizer.
  
  
• Turn off tap when shaving, washing face or brushing teeth.
  
  
• Water deeply but less frequently to create healthier and stronger landscapes. Be sure to follow any local water restrictions.
  
  

BARBARA HETHERINGTON
Educational Outreach
Gibsons Recycling Depot
GIBSONS BC