Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Saturday, March 9th, is Water Matters Day!

Preserve. Protect. Conserve” is the theme of the 11th Annual Broward Water Matters Day event to be celebrated on Saturday, March 9 at Tree Tops Park in Davie.  Water Matters Day is Broward County's signature water conservation event where residents can learn about our local and regional water resources, how water is managed, and how we are planning for our future water needs. Residents will receive tips on water conservation, find out about rebates and incentives for upgrading to water-conserving devices, and learn how to create “Florida friendly” and drought tolerant landscapes.
In addition to learning how to save water and money, participants can take home free native plants or trees just for learning how to do the right thing. To be eligible, attendees will need to visit at least 12 of the event's exhibits and obtain 12 stamps on their event program.  Over 40 educational exhibits and booths will be on display to help residents learn about water conservation techniques, smart irrigation, native landscaping, and what role they play in protecting and conserving our water supplies.

Other activities include face painting and crafts for children; rain barrel workshops; the music of environmental folk singer Grant Livingston; and a variety of giveaways and raffles.  One lucky raffle winner will win an irrigation system upgrade (installation not included) courtesy of Rainbird.  Activities will begin at 9 a.m. and run through 3 p.m
Water for Everyone — People, Plants, Animals
Water matters. Yet each of us wastes an enormous amount of it every day, letting this valuable commodity slip away unnecessarily. What is often overlooked is the vital role individuals play in the system. Recognizing the effect that you have on our water quality and supply is the first step to ensuring a clean and reliable supply of water for years to come.
Water. It’s our most precious resource. Whether we use it for drinking, swimming, fishing, or irrigation, water is a vital part of our everyday lives. It’s also the foundation for Broward County’s most valued natural resources — the Everglades and Atlantic coastal ecosystems.  But with a rapidly expanding urban population, there are ever-increasing stresses on our water resources, both in terms of water quality and water quantity.  The sustainability of Broward’s urban and natural systems hinges on our ability to protect this limited resource, while balancing the needs of all of Broward’s water users.