Save a lake, use a rain barrel

Ramsey Lake is a big lake, and it's an important lake for Sudburians. 

It provides residents with drinking water, recreation and is part of a bigger watershed system.

To ensure its longevity and well-being, the community needs to be more conscious of its well-being, according to Jan Browning and Lilly Noble, co-chairs of the Ramsey Lake Stewardship Committee.

It may seem like common knowledge, but Nobel said adjusting a few habits can go a long way in conserving water and enhancing its quality. Simple things like turning off taps that aren't in use help, and not littering into storm water drains mean less water will be wasted, and more clean water will flow into lakes like Ramsey.

Since today is World Water Day, Noble said people could even consider going an extra step in terms of water conservation by purchasing a rain barrel. The plastic bins act as holding tanks for rainwater that collects from eavestroughs, and can be used for tasks like watering lawns and plants, without having to turn on the hose.

Jan Browning uses a rain barrel at her Ramsey Lake home to collect water to feed her gardens. Photo by Jenny Jelen.

“(It) slows water down, and lets it stay where it falls,” Noble said.
The Stewardship Committee is selling rain barrels today for $55 each — they can be purchased now and picked up on Earth Day in April.

While Water Day is a good reminder to be conscious of water use, it's something that has to happen all the time.

“Remember what you put on the ground goes right into our lakes,” Noble said. “Never use a toilet as a garbage.”

The provincial government issued a press release encouraging households to use environmentally friendly products, like those bearing the WaterSense label. These faucets, showerheads and toilets use 20 per cent less water than the normal ones, and offer savings on energy bills.

“Clean water is vital to our well-being and our prosperity,” Jim Bradley, minister of the environment, stated, in a press release. “We are giving Ontario families a new tool to protect this valuable resource for future generations. The WaterSense label will make it easier for families to make green choices when buying products that use water.”

For more information about purchasing a rain barrel, visit rainbarrel.ca/ramseylake.

Posted by Arron Pickard