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Jenny HowellWater Wise in the Schools2006 |
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Jenny HowellWater Wise in the Schools2006 |
As Canadians, most of us realize how lucky we are in this country and appreciate the things we have. However, there are still many things we take for granted, such as warm houses in the winter, supermarkets full of a variety of foods, . . . and long hot showers when we feel like them. Slowly, with increasing numbers of news stories on climate change and the effects on populations worldwide, we are becoming aware that perhaps there isn't an endless supply of everything. Until recently, most of these stories have been about other people, in other places, living other lives; but now, as the pine turn red around us and we have to drive out of town to find enough snow to have a snowball fight, we are beginning to deal with these issues ourselves.
The City of Williams Lake is facing future water problems. Currently, the level of our water source, an underground aquifer is declining at a rate of 0.4 metres a year. Other underground water sources in the surrounding areas are also declining. If you are on a well, you may have noticed your well running dry in the summer, when previous years it was fine. There are several reasons for the decline: reduced precipitation, increased populations using the same water source, and more urban development, which leads to fewer permeable surfaces. Many towns in B.C. are facing similar problems, and you may remember the outcome in Tofino last summer, a town that actually did run out of water.
There is good news though. We do have a particularly high quality water source. There is actually enough water for everyone if each of us learns to manage with a little less. To start this process of reducing our water consumption, the Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society is sponsoring Water Wise, an education program sponsored by an Environment Canada Eco Action grant, aimed at residents of Williams Lake and the surrounding area. An important part of Water Wise is a two-part classroom program for Grade 4-7 elementary children. The first module ran this Fall, with 37 classes participating - an amazing response from teachers, who really saw the need for education in this area. Topics covered ranged from the chemistry of water, the water cycle and impacts of pollution, and simple conservation measures inside the home. The module included experiments and construction of live "kid" water molecules. The second module will run this spring, and will include a light-hearted quiz to reinforce concepts previously covered, as well as "more than you ever wanted to know about sewage"; a working model of an aquifer; and conservation tips for the outdoors, as the kids head into summer.
Inspecting a working model of an aquifer
The response from students has been enthusiastic, so if your child comes home requesting a pickle jar, please hear them out, and let them share what they have learned. You may find they nag somewhat when you leave a tap running, and wince as you run the dishwasher half full. There may be loud banging on the door, five minutes after you settle into your usual half-hour shower, and perhaps they may even wear a piece of clothing more than once without washing it. So swallow your retorts, support your child's efforts and just remember, they are doing it for their future, for yours and all the rest of us sharing this beautiful region. Before you know it, perhaps you too will be nagging (gently and politely) your friends and family and helping us all to become Water Wise!
Jenny Howell, who has worked in our region as a veterinarian for the past 16 years, has transferred her knowledge and enthusiasm in the past two years to education. She teaches the CCCS Ecological Webs and Species at Risk module at the Gavin Lake Forestry Education Centre, where she also introduces classes to the Water Wise concepts at the site. Jenny was instrumental in getting the Water Wise classroom program initiated, a huge success in its first year with 37 classes signed on in the Williams Lake area.
Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society
Unit 201, 197 2nd Ave North Williams Lake, B.C., V2G 1Z5
Phone/Fax: 250 398-7929 • ccentre@ccconserv.org • Coordinator: Marg EvansAbout Us • Public Education • Species at Risk • Projects • Other Activities • Membership
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