Water is in short supply for many cities, farms and businesses, and will remain so for the foreseeable future.

Drought conditions and environmental problems are reducing water deliveries to key regions of  the world. These regions will continue to see shortages even when normal rainfall returns.

Jobs are being lost in the hardest-hit areas, and growers are leaving thousands of acres unplanted and cutting back production of avocadoes, tomatoes, melons and other crops.

The world’s population continues to grow

Climate change is ushering in new uncertainties for our water system, and longer periods of drought are likely in the coming decades.

These challenges mean we can no longer take a reliable water supply for granted. Global and local water managers are working now on long-term solutions, but in the meantime, there is an immediate need for everyone to reduce their water use.

Conservation is one of the key strategies of a comprehensive solution to the world’s water challenges – and it’s something we can all do today!!

Do you think that water should be regulated and protected from speculation? Or should the free enterprise system, the forces of supply and demand be allowed to regulate availability and price of water much the same way it does now with oil, corn, soybeans, or pork futures? Read Will’s blog on our precious water resources.. maybe it will help you sort out this tough question in your head. LINK: Healthy Living

It is true.. many have good intentions and want to save water, but most folks aren’t sure where to begin. With a new year upon us, why not start the year with 10 simple tips for saving water in 2010.

1. Fix the drips! A dripping faucet can waste 20 gallons of water a day, while a leaking toilet can waste 90,000 gallons in a month.

 2. Shorten that shower Cut five minutes off your shower time and save up to 25 gallons a day

 3. Slow the flow Inexpensive faucets can save gallons of water per person every day.

 4. Turn off the tap  When brushing your teeth or shaving, turn off the tap and save eight gallons a day.

 5. Go low-flow Replace your old shower head with a low-flow model and cut your water use every time you shower.

 6. Update those appliances  When it’s time to update your appliances, go for a front-loading washing machine and a water-efficient dishwasher. You’ll save both water and energy.

 7. Replace that water-guzzling toilet Replace your old toilet with a modern, water-efficient one and use about half the water per flush.

 8. Sweep up savings Instead of hosing your driveway or sidewalk, use a broom.

 9. Think beyond the lawn Choose plants appropriate to your climate when you landscape. They’ll need much less water.

 10. Irrigate like a pro Your lawn probably needs less water than you think. And your sidewalk doesn’t need any.

Top 5 Green New Year Resolutions

Health Canada has published an array of frequently asked questions on bottled water sold in Canada. LINK: Bottled water questions

 A really great article on how to go green on New Year’s day, by Planet Green. Have you thought about how you are going to go green in the New Year? LINK: Planet Green

Discussing how in recent years there has been growing evidence that the earth’s increasingly warm climate in 21st century. This raises the essential question: What impacts will global warming have on the environment and human activities? LINK: Dr. Kathleen Miller

The Weather Network reports on the impact of climate change and its serious affect on water resources around the world. Changing water levels, temperatures and flow will in turn affect food supply, health, industry, transportation, and ecosystem integrity. LINK: Climate change: Water Impacts

Environment Minister Barry Penner announced this week the launching of  LIVING WATER SMART BLOG, by the  B.C. government, in attempts to embark on modernizing B.C.’s Water Act.

“Water defines British Columbia, and over the next 25 years we expect B.C.’s population to grow by another 1.4 million people,” said Penner. “Our water will have to go a lot further without compromising nature’s needs. The Living Water Smart blog is an interactive way to encourage open dialogue on this important topic. Together, we can determine the steps we must take to protect our water both for today and the future.”

 A key initial element of this process is to educate British Columbians about B.C.’s Water Plan and about water usage in our province. The blog will also reach out to residents and receive their ideas on how best to manage B.C.’s most important natural resource.

 To make a comment or post a question on the new Living Water Smart blog, go to http://blog.gov.bc.ca/livingwatersmart/.

Clean Water Productions is about providing challenging, full and exciting multi sport races throughout Northern California , which raising awareness about the precious water supply and how it can influenced through conservation and education. LINK: About Clean Water Productions