Water is the source of life on earth. 96.5% of the planet’s water is contained in the oceans as saltwater. 3.5% is freshwater, of which, much is locked up in glaciers and the polar ice caps.

With only 0.01% of the earth’s water that is drinkable, we must do better at preserving and protecting this resource.

Just like energy, water is not created nor destroyed. The water cycle consists of evaporation from the surface of the Earth, rising into the atmosphere, cools and condensed into rain or snow in clouds, and falls again to the surface as precipitation.

The water that falls back to Earth completes its cycle in oceans and freshwater bodies. The water that falls on land collects in rivers, lakes, soil and porous layers of rock.

Much of the precipitation that winds up on land is runoff from buildings, homes, driveways, lawns and roads. Known as stormwater, it goes into storm drains and ends its cycle in a fresh or saltwater body.

Growing population, increasing water demands, nutrients and escalating pollution are all concerns that need to be addressed. How can we protect our water sources to sustain life? Let’s discuss the problems and solutions.