City outlines new water conservation program

Focusing on community water use

By

January 10, 2012

Using water in a responsible way today to ensure it’s available for future generations is the key message behind the City of Spruce Grove’s new water conservation program called Tap into Tomorrow.

The program blueprint , which was adopted by city council on Jan. 9, focuses on community water use, which includes water used by residents, businesses and other customer groups, as well as utility operations.

“I’m excited to see the City implement an integrated water conservation program,” said Mayor Stuart Houston. “Water is truly a precious, non-renewable resource, so it’s important that we take action to help manage, and where possible reduce, the amount of water being used in Spruce Grove.”

The name of the program was selected by local residents who picked their favourite name from six different options.

“I’d like to thank everyone who participated in the survey to name our water conservation program,” said Houston. “Tap into Tomorrow is an excellent choice as it captures the visionary approach the City is taking and focuses on how we can make a difference, both today and for future generations.”

The program blueprint focuses on simple steps the City and community members can take to implement long-term improvements in efficiency, while still maintaining a high quality of life.

“We want to move the City towards an integrated approach to water conservation,” said Amber Nicol, the City’s sustainability planner. “This will include identifying targets, linking together existing water conservation initiatives and recommending new initiatives.”

Another important component of the program will be a significant focus on public education and outreach. Specific details are still being planned, but may include adding information to the City’s website, participating in public education campaigns, and developing child and youth programming on the topic of water conservation.

“Now that the blueprint has been approved by council, we will begin implementing some of the initiatives this year,” said Nicol. “Additional initiatives and plans will be rolled out in 2013 and 2014.” 

Developing an integrated approach to water conservation was a key recommendation from the City’s Environmental Sustainability Action Plan , an outcome of the Mayor’s Task Force on the Environment.

Get more information on water conservation.