Protecting water as a vital and limited resource
The City of Charlottetown is joining municipalities across the country to celebrate World Water Day today – March 22. To help recognize the importance of these initiatives, City Hall’s tower will be lit up blue.
“World Water Day serves as an important reminder for how fortunate we are to have a clean, secure and convenient supply of drinking water,” said Charlottetown Mayor Philip Brown. “As a community, practicing effective water conservation today, will help protect this valuable environmental resource for the next generations.”
The theme for this year’s World Water Day is Groundwater – Making the Invisible Visible. Here in Charlottetown, the City relies on groundwater as its source for municipal water. In 2018, the City diversified where it draws water from by opening a new wellfield in a separate watershed. The City has worked to reforest lands around the wellfields as they act as a natural form of protection for our municipal water. Based on local water conservation programs and efforts, the City’s annual water consumption in 2021 was the lowest since 1997 despite continued growth.
Municipal drinking water in Charlottetown is regulated for both quality and quantity. Ensuring a clean, safe supply of water is complicated and costly. Municipal water and sanitary sewer services are paid for by user rates; they are not funded by property taxes. Investing in our infrastructure is important to protect this vital and limited resource. Water conservation is also crucial to help extend the life of Charlottetown’s municipal water infrastructure.
There are many ways to cut down your water use at home, such as:
- Using less water by installing low flow appliances and faucets;
- Checking for leaks;
- Following seasonal water restrictions;
- Taking advantage of programs available: LIFT Program, Toilet Rebate, Showerhead Exchange;
- Capturing rainwater for reuse in rain barrels;
- Using water wise landscaping/xeriscaping; and,
- Sharing your knowledge with others.
World Water Day focuses on the importance of fresh water and the sustainable management of water resources. For more information, visit unwater.org.