Langley's Water Wise team meets with public

Is the Township of Langley’s water safe to drink? Is there enough of it now and for the future?

These are questions the Township’s Water Wise team will be answering during Drinking Water Week, May 4 to 10.

“Here in Canada, we can turn on the tap and fill our glasses with clean, clear, and safe drinking water,” said Taryn Hesketh, Township, environmental coordinator. “But not everyone knows where it comes from, or the steps we can take to conserve and protect this valuable resource into the future.”

The Water Wise team will be at Costco at 20499 64th Ave., from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, to educate residents about Langley’s unique drinking water resource. Visitors can learn how to sustainably water their lawn and garden during the summer months, and kids can spin the Water Wise wheel to win prizes.

Water Wise is a Township of Langley initiative that teaches residents about the importance of local groundwater resources and provides information, tools, and incentives to protect the drinking water supply. The Water Wise team helps balance present and future water needs while maintaining the quality and supply of water and minimizing flooding and erosion.

“In Township communities, about half of our drinking water comes from local groundwater supplies; the other half is supplied by the Coquitlam watershed,” Hesketh said. “Township residents and businesses use 12.8 million cubic metres of water every year - the equivalent to filling 5,120 Olympic sized swimming pools. About 65 per cent of the water used in our homes comes from the showers, baths, and toilets in our bathrooms. We encourage residents to learn more by coming to our May 3 event or visiting tol.ca/waterwise.”