Steve Jasiecki
By STEVE JASIECKI
Water is our most valuable resource and is absolutely vital to life, but how much do you know about the water in your community? Where does it come from? Is it safe? Will there be enough water for future generations? Where does the wastewater go? How is it treated and what happens to it after it goes down the drain or flushed down the toilet? And then there is flooding and recreational water related concerns. Are the oceans, bays, rivers and streams healthy? And how do we ensure that “Our Water” remains secure in quality and quantity.
To help the community have a better understanding of our water resource, the Atlantic-Cape May County Sustainable Jersey Regional Hub and local AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassadors are hosting “Our Water” Conference, a two part, online, event that will discuss some of the various aspects of water usage in the community.
Timed to coincide with World Water Day on March 22, the “Our Water” event is designed to help educate the community by explaining where our water comes from, where it goes, and how we can take better care of this resource. Other aspects to be addressed are storm water related issues and the quality of the waterways.
The presentation will take place on Monday and Tuesday, March 22 and 23, one hour each day. Local experts will present a series of lightening round topics. The presentation is free but registration is required to participate in the program. You can register at http://bit.ly/OurWaterACMHub
Schedule of topics for “Our Water Conference”
Monday, March 22, 6-7 p.m.
How to Be a Good Water Citizen – Do you know where our water comes from? Learn more about our water and simple steps you can take at home to save water and money. As a bonus, these actions also benefit the environment.
Here’s what you will learn:
- Where Your Water Comes From – Mark Demitroff, Pinelands Geographer
- Use Less Water & Save More – Loretta Pregartner, AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador
- Rain Barrels – Bill Stuempfig, South Jersey Surfrider Foiundation
- Native Landscaping – Steve Fiedler, Southeastern Chapter, NJ Native Plant Society,
Tuesday, March 23, 12-1 p.m.
Diving Deeper into Water Conservation – You know how to save water and you’re ready to learn more. This panel will share some great information about water treatment, tackling pollution, stormwater, water quality and more.
Learn from the experts:
- How Your Wastewater Is Treated – Joseph Pantalone, ACUA and Joshua Palombo, CMCMUA
- Your Storm Drains & You – Dylan O’Brien, AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador
- Water Quality in Local Waterways – Fred Akers, Great Egg Harbor Watershed Association
Register for Day 1 at http://bit.ly/OurWaterACMHub; Day 2 at http://bit.ly/OurWaterACMHub
See Atlantic Cape May Regional Hub | Sustainable Jersey Green Teams (wordpress.com)for more information.
