Fresh water is unfortunately more and more affected by climate change, pollution and its consequences, and maladapted infrastructures. Faced with this preoccupying issue, it is absolutely crucial for every citizen to take action to help preserve this precious resource. In this article, explore 9 concrete ways in which to participate in the preservation of our fresh water on both an individual and collective scale. Together we can make the situation progress and bring about the changes required for the future of fresh water. Find out which actions you can start taking today in order to protect this vital resource for future generations.
1. Support Organizations Committed to the Preservation of Our Fresh Water
A simple, but very useful way of contributing to water preservation is to support organizations actively working on this issue. As you may already know, our favourite organization of this type is AquaAction. Their mission is to restore the health of fresh water in North America by encouraging the development of innovations and new technologies. From its foundation, AquaAction has helped with the creation and expansion of over 25 enterprises across Canada.
If you believe in the strength of our country’s young innovators, make a donation to AquaAction! Your donation will be tax deductible and will support entrepreneurs in water technologies with the creation of solutions for the challenges faced by fresh water.
2. Involve Yourself Politically
Make your voice heard by supporting water preservation policies and encouraging the deciders to take concrete measures to protect this vital resource. If you feel compelled to, write a letter to your deputy or the ministers to talk about water preservation and its issues, as well as present your observations and experiences as a concerned citizen.
3. Support Your Region’s Watershed Organization
In Quebec, 40 watershed organizations (OBV) coordinate the management of the water per watershed for over 654 000 km². They are committed to protecting and preserving their territory’s hydrographic network through targeted actions. By constantly working to ensure that questions such as water quality, quantity, and climate change are discussed, OBVs prove the importance of individuals coming together to support a common cause and protect the environment.
Find your OBV with the help of the Regroupement des organismes de bassins versants du Québec - ROBVQ.
4. Raise Awareness with your Friends and Family
Raising awareness is the first step when it comes to changing perceptions and habits. It is a continuous process which inevitably takes time. Share information about water preservation with your family, friends, and community. Discuss the link between water and other global issues such as climate change, food security, and biodiversity. Lead by example and adopt responsible water preservation practices.
5. Follow the de Gaspé Beaubien Foundation and AquaAction Online
In order to stay informed on current events related to the preservation of fresh water, its issues, and the solutions being developed, all you need to do is follow the de Gaspé Beaubien Foundation and AquaAction’s social media pages. It is a simple but efficient way to know what is happening and obtain pertinent information:
6. Use Products That are Free of Harmful Ingredients
During your next shopping trip, why not go for biodegradable, non-toxic, and eco-friendly options? Many cleaners, detergents, and eco-friendly cleaning products are available on the market. The same thing goes for shampoos, soaps, and other bath products. Read the labels attentively to spot environmental certifications and non-toxic ingredients.
7. Use Water Intelligently
Have you adopted water-saving habits? It is probably not the first time you have seen this recommendation, but the fact is that these small changes really make a big difference in the grand scheme of things. Here are some examples to implement:
Using Water Intelligently Inside the Home
- Use waterflow reducing devices.
- Repair pipe leaks quickly and efficiently.
- Prioritize showers over baths.
- Equip your toilet with a water-saving flush system.
- Use a flow reducing shower head.
- Turn off the water when you are brushing your teeth, shaving, or doing dishes.
Using Water Intelligently Outside
- Practice smart irrigation in order to reduce water waste when watering your garden.
- Collect rain water to water your lawn or flowers.
- Favor plants that are indigenous and well adapted to your climate during your landscaping.
- Clean your car using a bucket of water and a sponge rather than the hose in order to save several hundred litres of water. Getting your car cleaned at a closed-circuit car wash also uses less water.
Using Water Intelligently Everywhere
- Limit your use of bottled water, favor filtered tap water, or use water filtering systems at home.
8. Follow the Reseau Environnement’s Work
The non-profit organization Réseau Environnement is the largest regrouping of environmental specialists in Quebec. It brings together specialists from the public, private, and academic sectors who work in water, residual materials, air, climate change, energy, biodiversity, etc. Increase your knowledge and remain informed with the help of the Reseau Environnement’s publications, or become a member of the association.
9. Partner with AquaAction
If you are an entrepreneur or own an enterprise, or if you have technological or scientific expertise, AquaAction will certainly want to collaborate with you! It is the occasion to work in partnership with the enterprise in order to develop and implement efficient initiatives. Encourage the members of your team to share their knowledge and expertise by acting as mentors to young innovators and entrepreneurs participating in the AquaHacking Challenge.
Each of these actions, combined with collective awareness, can have a significant impact on the preservation of our fresh water. By working together, we can ensure the preservation of this crucial resource for present and future generations. There are actions to be taken on an individual, regional, national, and societal level.