Water Conservation Strategies for Municipalities and Community Organizations

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Water is a critical natural resource that supports essential human activities as well as ecological functions. Shortages can have dangerous and significant implications for public health as well as for the local economy and for ecological integrity. In addition to reduced groundwater recharge from increasing impervious surfaces, demands on New Jersey’s limited water supply due to population growth and development have greatly increased. There are several opportunities for municipalities to conserve and protect water, and gain credit within Sustainable Jersey.

A Water Conservation Ordinance can help municipalities curtail unnecessary water waste. Sustainable Jersey’s Water Conservation Ordinance seeks to help extend available supplies through short-term drought periods, and to avoid recurrent drought warnings/water emergencies caused by late summer “drought.” Educating residents and stakeholders about water conservation can help municipalities to conserve this valuable resource and earn additional points in Sustainable Jersey.

The GreenFaith Water Shield is a structured set of activities and resources for the faith community to use in their water conservation efforts. The faith sector, with their sizeable properties and large membership, offers a significant environmental and outreach opportunity for municipalities. The Shield is a national designation signifying that a faith-based institution has taken steps – educational, spiritual, and practical – to conserve water, protect water quality, and mobilize its members and community to do the same at home. 

• Randall Solomon, Co-Director of Sustainable Jersey, will present a short overview of the Sustainable Jersey Water Conservation actions.
• The webinar will also include a presentation from a municipality that has implemented the Water Conservation Ordinance and conducted Water Conservation Education and Outreach.
• Learn about the Green Faith Water Shield designation from Stacey Kennealy of Green Faith.

This webinar has been approved for 1 CEU (Technical) for Public Works Managers