Water Wise featured in Stream Talk newsletter

Williams Lake’s Water Wise program, delivered by the Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society and funded in part by the City of Williams Lake, has received front-page treatment in the spring edition of Stream Talk, a newsletter published by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and B.C. Streamkeepers groups in B.C. and the Yukon.
The article highlights the Water Wise program’s classroom modules in School Districts 27 (Cariboo Chilcotin) and 28 (Quesnel). The program, supported by more than 500 parent volunteers, has reached more than 3,000 students. The Water Wise program also offers workshops for businesses, gives talks and demonstrations about xeriscape gardening, water conservation, and has produced several educational brochures.

"Whether it be turning the tap off while brushing teeth, changing to 'phosphate free' water friendly cleaning products, or planting Cariboo (drought) friendly garden plants- Williams Lake is becoming Water Wise one action, one person and one business at a time," says Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society Executive Director and Education Coordinator Marg Evans. "Together we are making a difference, so let’s keep this going to assure healthy watersheds for the future!"

The City works closely with the Conservation Society through the Water and Waste and Bylaw departments, and the City has a contractual agreement with the society. The Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society also provided a great deal of input into the City’s new Official Community Plan.

"The Cariboo Conservation Society has been instrumental in getting the City’s water conservation program to the place where it is today," says Joe Engelberts, City Manager of Water and Waste. "They are a very dedicated group of people who are very passionate about the environment and how we can be better at conserving and preserving it. "

"Water Wise has had great success in educating Williams Lake residents about the importance of us all being smart about water use," says Mayor Kerry Cook. "We have committed in our Official Community Plan to continue working with the Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society to ensure our cherished local ecosystems stay healthy for generations to come."

For more information on Water Wise or the Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society, please contact Marg Evans at 250-398-7929, or for on-line information go to www.ccconserv.org.