Today is World Water Day!

This year’s theme? Accelerating change!

We are already experiencing the impacts of climate change here in Connecticut. Droughts are occurring more frequently and so are more frequent, short-duration rain events. Combined, this wreaks havoc on water quality from stormwater runoff, increases flooding in our communities, and leaves us vulnerable to water shortages. NOW is the time to make the changes to how we use our water and land to ensure that we have clean, plentiful water for fish and faucet for future generations.

What can you do? Be the change you want to see in the world!

Take a moment to think about what water means to you. The clean water that comes out reliably from your tap? A beautiful place to fish or paddle? Modern sanitation? We have so much to be thankful for here in Connecticut – the highest quality drinking water in the nation; plentiful opportunities for recreation on our rivers, lakes, ponds and shoreline; and high standards for water quality.

Now take a moment to think about what you can do to make sure what you love and appreciate remains that way or is better for the future. Think of it as a “World Water Day” resolution. Here are some things you can do to protect water quality from stormwater runoff:

Protect nature: What’s the best way to protect water quality and quantity? Preserve land and the parts of nature that naturally protect our waterways. Such as riparian buffers. If you live on a stream, river, pond or lake, maintaining a vegetated strip of land along the waterway has multiple benefits to the water body. To learn more, click here.

Protect water quality and biodiversity in your own back (and front) yard: We know this is difficult to hear but……..it’s time to let go of your lawn. The truth is that turf lawns provide virtually no habitat for pollinators and other animals and plants that make up a healthy, diverse ecosystem. Likewise, rainwater runoff from lawns can carry pesticides and fertilizers into rivers, lakes, and streams. Click here for tips on how to reduce the size of your lawn.

Conserve water……because we can’t make more: All the water now is all that will ever be. We know all of the tricks to conserve water in your daily life (efficient fixtures and appliances, take shorter showers, don’t let the tap run) but did you know that when our water resources are most scarce is when we use the most water? Residential water uses increases significantly in the summer and fall due to outdoor water use. Taking steps to reduce your outdoor water use will help Connecticut be more resilient to droughts. Click here to find out what steps you can take.

What is River Alliance doing to accelerate change?

We are work at the state and local level every day to implement solutions for better water management and protection so that Connecticut’s resources and its economy see minimal impact from climate change. Here’s just a few of the things we’re doing:

• Developing a framework for better protections of riparian buffers
• Proving leadership in the State Water Planning process to implement the plan we have and to improve the plan we have.
• Vigorously promoting public policies for protection and restoration of healthy flows and clean water for all of Connecticut’s
• Educating the public on water issues