Another summer has come and gone and the Township of Langley has continued to see improved environmental awareness within the community about local water sources, willingness to conserve, and an increased interest to protect our water.
In previous years, Water Wise, delivered in partnership with the Langley Environmental Partners Society (LEPS), targeted outreach in various Township communities through door to door campaigns to help residents learn about their drinking water.
This summer, the Water Wise team broadened its outreach through public events, educational workshops, and distribution of informational door hangers. In May, the team hosted 28 water-related school workshops, reaching over 550 elementary students. The children learned how water is used in different industries and how to protect Langley’s groundwater.
“It’s great to see that the kids are interested in what we are teaching. They always have endless ideas of ways to save water at home,” said Sarah Carlson of the Water Wise team.
The team also visited homes in Brookswood, Aldergrove, Fort Langley, and Walnut Grove, where they distributed approximately 8,700 informational door hangers. As well, the Water Wise team participated in over 25 community events, where they spoke with residents and gave away prizes at the ‘Water Trivia Wheel.’ Events included Brookswood Summerfest, RBC’S Blue Water Day, Aldergrove Fair Days, and the Canada Day celebrations at McLeod Athletic Park.
“It was encouraging to see that community members were engaged and receptive when learning about water,” said Water Wise’s Trina Chan.
In addition to attending community events this summer, the Water Wise team organized free well and septic system seminars for private well owners. With each seminar, approximately 20 residents attended and learned how to maintain their private wells and septic systems. The Water Wise team is looking forward to continuing information seminars in the future with the hope of creating greater awareness within the private well community.
The 2013 Water Wise campaign included challenges and prizes for residents who have opted to limit lawn watering to one hour a week or forego watering their lawns altogether and “Go Golden.” Prizes included rain barrels, diverter kits, and an indoor and outdoor water saving kits.
It is not too late to fill out the Water Wise survey on the Township of Langley’s website for a chance to win $200 of gift cards to local businesses. Visit tol.ca/waterwise