Graywater is defined as wastewater, collected separately from sewage flow, which originates from a clothes washer, bathtub, shower, or sink—but not from a kitchen sink, dishwasher, or toilet. Graywater, as a conservation method, has gained wide acceptance with water agencies in drought-ridden Australia.
Xeriscape is simply a water conservation tool. The homeowner still has to learn how to irrigate for water efficiency. This experience demonstrates that using a tool without the knowledge and willingness to use it properly can actually be counterproductive.
When communicating with the public, we have to choose our words carefully. Use the ‘Kryptonite Factor’ to identify words and phrases that might be misunderstood. Terms we use within the industry may not resonate with the average person or, may turn them off entirely from what we hope to accomplish.
Mike Nolan – BCWWA President (2008-2009)
In December 2008 Mike Nolan, President of the BC Water & Waste Association (BCWWA), announced the appointment of Daisy Foster as the new Chief Executive Officer. Daisy Foster has taught at the college level and provided management training.
Daisy Foster (120p) – BCWWA
The BCWWA Board has developed a vision for BCWWA through their ‘Ends’ policies. It is the responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer to develop a plan for achieving these Ends.
More than 40 actions and targets in a new government-wide plan will help all sectors, communities and British Columbians keep our water healthy and secure, now and in the future,
Living Water Smart is a blueprint for cultural, environmental, industrial, community and agricultural change that will help safeguard the province’s water resources into the future. Drawing on a variety of policy measures, including planning, regulatory change, education, and incentives like economic instruments and rewards, the plan commits to new actions and builds on existing efforts to protect and keep B.C.’s water healthy and secure.
“Living Water Smart – British Columbia’s Water Plan” contains new elements of education, planning, policy, economic incentives and regulatory change aimed at protecting BC’s fresh water resources, particularly habitat and source water quality. Benefits are anticipated through action in many sectors, including business, cultural, education, industrial, environmental, communities and agriculture.
If you think peer pressure ends in high school, think again. The same peer pressure that forced some of us into clothing and hairstyles that haunt us decades later, when our children find our high school yearbooks, can be used to motivate people to conserve water. Studies conducted by Arizona State University conclude that “the ‘Everybody else is doing it’ message works better than trying to appeal to people’s sense of social responsibility, desire to save money or even their hope of safeguarding the earth for future generations.”
Seven major themes emerged from interviews with municipal parks' managers in British Columbia.While all the parks departments survey actively to improve watering efficiency, only a select few are investigating ways to significantly reduce demand for water or implementing land management practices to conserve water. Nevertheless. they are doing the best they can given limited budgets, staff and conflicting priorities.
