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Conservation--Preserving Our Water
Our third forum--Conservation, Preserving Our Water will be held
on
Saturday, May 8, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Mayflower Congregational Church, 106 E. Diamond Lake Road. Registration and Exhibits
at 8:30 a.m.
Jonathan Foley, University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment Director, will give an overview of the condition of the world’s water resources. Samuel Lieberman, free-lance writer and water advocate, will bring the discussion down to our individual and collective responsibility for caring for our water resources, and Jenny Winkelman, Education and Outreach Manager with the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization will describe the programs available to individuals and communities to conserve and manage water resources. Breakout sessions on the programs and products available to individuals will follow.
Although Minnesota appears to have abundant water resources, increasing demand is putting pressure on these resources and municipal water supply systems. In the metro area, groundwater aquifers supplies 1.6 million people and two-thirds of the water consumed, while the Mississippi River supplies almost 1 million people. Statewide, groundwater use increased 26% between 1991 and 2005. Minnesota’s population increased about 18% during the same period. Thus, water use is growing at a higher rate than population growth. The sustainability of the natural water supply to meet future needs is critical to our economy and quality of life in Minnesota. Wise management and use of water resources is necessary to protect our water heritage. By cutting back on water use, individuals can save money on water and power bills and help protect our water resources. Installing water-saving technologies such as low flow fixtures and toilets as well as capturing and reusing water are some of the ways that individuals can get involved in protecting water supplies.
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