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Effective Stormwater Management for Construction Sites


Keeping your construction site in compliance with stormwater regulations is crucial for protecting our water resources. Various best management practices (BMPs), such as silt fencing, straw wattles (fiber rolls), spill containment, and stockpile coverings, all play a vital role in preventing sediment and pollutants from entering waterways.

However, the most important thing to remember is the ultimate goal: keeping sediment and other pollutants out of the receiving waterway. If you achieve this, you have successfully managed stormwater on your site and contributed to safeguarding our environment.

By implementing and maintaining BMPs effectively, construction teams can minimize their environmental impact and stay compliant with regulations. Simple steps like ensuring erosion controls are properly installed, promptly addressing spills, and covering exposed soil can make a significant difference.

At Watearth, we specialize in stormwater management solutions designed to help construction sites stay compliant and environmentally responsible. Our expertise in erosion control, flood risk mitigation, and sustainable water management ensures that your project meets regulatory requirements while protecting valuable water resources.

Protecting our water resources starts with proactive stormwater management. Partner with Watearth today to implement the best solutions for your construction site!

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Creating Safer Parks: A Guide to Upgrading Public Spaces

Parks are essential community spaces that provide relaxation, recreation, and a connection to nature. However, ensuring that parks remain safe, accessible, and welcoming for all users requires thoughtful planning and design. Whether you’re a city planner, a park advocate, or a community member, here are some key upgrades to consider when improving park safety.

1. Accessibility for All

A truly inclusive park should be designed to accommodate all visitors, including those with disabilities. Ensuring ADA-compliant paths with smooth, non-slip surfaces and proper width allows everyone, from wheelchair users to parents with strollers, to navigate the park comfortably. Clear signage and seating areas further enhance accessibility.

2. Smart Plant Selection

Choosing the right plants is crucial for both safety and environmental sustainability. Opting for thornless, non-toxic plants ensures that visitors—especially children and pets—can enjoy the greenery without risk. Additionally, selecting native species helps support local wildlife and reduces maintenance costs.

3. Enhancing Visibility

Parks should feel open and secure, minimizing hidden corners where visibility is obstructed. Maintaining clear sightlines by trimming overgrown vegetation and strategically placing lighting can deter unwanted activity and enhance safety, especially at night. Well-lit pathways and gathering areas make parks feel more inviting.

4. Safe Landscaping Practices

Beyond beauty, landscaping plays a functional role in park safety. Using large, immovable rocks and sturdy park amenities prevents misuse and reduces hazards like tripping or vandalism. Thoughtfully placed benches, fences, and natural barriers can guide foot traffic and protect delicate plant life.

The Goal: A Park for Everyone

By prioritizing accessibility, smart plant choices, visibility, and safe landscaping, we can create public spaces that are safe, enjoyable, and inclusive for all ages. Investing in these upgrades not only improves user experience but also fosters a sense of community, encouraging more people to visit and appreciate their local parks.

Do you have ideas or experiences with park safety improvements? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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4 Simple Ways to Make Parks More Sustainable


Parks are essential green spaces that provide recreation, relaxation, and environmental benefits. If you’re looking to enhance a park’s sustainability and usability, here are four simple yet impactful additions:

  1. Adequate Parking & Drainage
    Ensuring parks have appropriate and well-drained parking areas makes access easier and more user-friendly. A smooth experience from arrival to exploration encourages more visitors.
  2. Interpretive Signage
    Educational signage can inform visitors about environmental elements, stormwater management, and resiliency features. This enhances awareness and appreciation for the park’s ecological role.
  3. Climate-Appropriate Vegetation
    Choosing native or climate-adapted plants reduces water usage and maintenance while providing natural habitats for local wildlife. This supports biodiversity and promotes sustainability.
  4. Stormwater Management Features
    Implementing rain gardens, detention basins, or vegetated swales helps manage water runoff, improves infiltration, and creates wetland habitats. These features contribute to both ecological health and park aesthetics.

By integrating these simple improvements, parks can be more accessible, educational, and environmentally friendly, benefiting both people and nature. 🌿💧

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Securing Sustainable Water Supply: Nurturing the Lifeline of Our Communities

Water is the essence of life, and ensuring a sustainable and reliable water supply is vital for the well-being and prosperity of our communities. Let’s talk about the importance of sustainable water supply, discuss key challenges faced in water management, and highlight strategies to secure a resilient water future.

The Significance of Sustainable Water Supply: A sustainable water supply is essential for several reasons:

  1. Human Health and Well-being: Access to safe and clean water is crucial for maintaining public health and well-being. It is essential for drinking, sanitation, hygiene, and food production.
  2. Economic Growth: Reliable water supply supports various sectors, including agriculture, industry, and commerce. It fosters economic growth, job creation, and overall prosperity.
  3. Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Sustainable water supply ensures the health of aquatic ecosystems, preserving biodiversity, and protecting natural habitats.

Key Challenges in Water Management:

  1. Growing Demand: Increasing population, urbanization, and industrial growth intensify the demand for water resources, putting pressure on existing supplies.
  2. Water Scarcity: Many regions face water scarcity, either due to natural conditions or overallocation of available water sources. Climate change exacerbates this issue, leading to more frequent and severe droughts.
  3. Aging Infrastructure: Outdated water infrastructure systems pose challenges in terms of efficiency, reliability, and maintenance. Upgrading and modernizing infrastructure is essential for sustainable water management.
  4. Water Quality: Ensuring water quality is a critical aspect of a sustainable water supply. Contamination from pollutants and inadequate treatment can compromise public health and ecosystem integrity.

Strategies for Securing a Resilient Water Future:

  1. Efficient Water Use: Promoting water conservation and efficiency measures is crucial. This includes implementing water-saving technologies, incentivizing water-wise behaviors, and optimizing water use in all sectors.
  2. Diversification of Water Sources: Developing alternative water sources, such as rainwater harvesting, wastewater reuse, and desalination, reduces reliance on limited freshwater resources.
  3. Integrated Water Management: Adopting an integrated approach that considers the entire water cycle ensures holistic and sustainable water management. This includes source protection, efficient distribution systems, and effective water treatment and wastewater management.
  4. Infrastructure Investment: Investing in robust and modern water infrastructure is essential. This includes upgrading aging systems, implementing smart technologies for water monitoring and management, and enhancing water storage and distribution capabilities.
  5. Stakeholder Collaboration: Engaging stakeholders, including communities, governments, industries, and academia, fosters collective responsibility and collaboration in water management. Sharing knowledge, expertise, and resources promotes innovative solutions and long-term sustainability.

Securing a sustainable water supply is a shared responsibility that requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders. By adopting innovative strategies, promoting water conservation, and investing in resilient infrastructure, we can ensure a reliable water future for generations to come. Let’s work together to nurture the lifeline of our communities and safeguard this invaluable resource.

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Unveiling the Secrets of Water Quality Modeling: Enhancing Water Management Strategies

Water quality plays a pivotal role in maintaining the health of ecosystems, supporting human activities, and ensuring safe drinking water supplies. Water quality modeling is a powerful tool that enables us to understand and predict the behavior of contaminants in water bodies. In this blog post, we delve into the world of water quality modeling, exploring its importance, applications, and how it aids in developing effective water management strategies.

Understanding Water Quality Modeling: Water quality modeling involves the use of mathematical and computational models to simulate and predict the transport and fate of pollutants in water systems. These models consider various factors, such as hydrodynamics, water chemistry, pollutant sources, and environmental conditions, to provide insights into the behavior of contaminants and their impacts on water quality.

Applications of Water Quality Modeling:

  1. Drinking Water Source Protection: Water quality models help identify potential contaminant sources and evaluate their impacts on drinking water sources. By understanding the vulnerabilities and risks, authorities can implement targeted protection measures to ensure safe and reliable water supplies.
  2. Pollution Control and Management: Water quality models aid in assessing the effectiveness of pollution control strategies, such as wastewater treatment plants, industrial discharges, or agricultural practices. By simulating different scenarios, decision-makers can optimize resource allocation and implement measures to mitigate pollution impacts.
  3. Ecosystem Health Assessment: Models allow scientists to evaluate the ecological impacts of water pollution on aquatic ecosystems. By analyzing the interactions between contaminants, organisms, and habitat conditions, researchers can identify critical areas for conservation and restoration efforts.
  4. Climate Change Adaptation: Water quality models help predict the effects of climate change on water bodies, such as changes in temperature, rainfall patterns, and nutrient loading. This information aids in developing adaptive strategies to protect water quality and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Benefits and Advancements:

  1. Enhanced Decision-Making: Water quality models provide decision-makers with valuable insights to support evidence-based decision-making processes. By simulating different scenarios, stakeholders can evaluate the effectiveness of alternative management strategies and make informed choices.
  2. Cost Savings: Water quality modeling allows for efficient allocation of resources by identifying priority areas for pollution control or treatment measures. This targeted approach minimizes costs while maximizing the effectiveness of water management efforts.
  3. Data Integration: Modern water quality models integrate diverse data sources, such as satellite imagery, remote sensing data, and real-time monitoring data, to improve accuracy and reliability. This integration enables a comprehensive understanding of water quality dynamics.

Challenges and Considerations: Water quality modeling also comes with challenges that need to be addressed:

  1. Data Availability and Quality: Accurate and reliable data inputs are crucial for robust modeling outcomes. Availability and quality of data, such as water flow rates, pollutant concentrations, and hydrological parameters, can pose challenges in some regions.
  2. Model Calibration and Validation: Models must be calibrated and validated against field data to ensure their accuracy and reliability. This process requires substantial effort and collaboration between modelers and data collectors.
  3. Uncertainty: Water quality modeling involves dealing with uncertainties related to data inputs, model parameters, and inherent limitations of the models themselves. Recognizing and addressing uncertainties is essential for proper interpretation of modeling results.

Water quality modeling is a powerful tool that aids in understanding and managing water pollution, ensuring the health and sustainability of our water resources. By leveraging the capabilities of these models, we can make informed decisions, implement effective management strategies, and safeguard water quality for current and future generations. Let’s continue to explore, improve, and utilize water quality modeling to enhance our water management practices and protect our invaluable water resources.

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Water Conservation: Preserving Our Most Precious Resource

Water conservation is a critical aspect of sustainable living and responsible resource management. In this blog post, we explore the importance of water conservation, discuss practical tips and strategies for conserving water in our daily lives, and highlight the significant impact of collective efforts towards a more sustainable future.

The Importance of Water Conservation: Water is a finite resource, and its availability is becoming increasingly challenged by factors such as population growth, climate change, and pollution. Conserving water is vital for several reasons:

  1. Environmental Impact: By conserving water, we can protect and preserve natural ecosystems, maintain healthy aquatic habitats, and preserve biodiversity.
  2. Water Scarcity: Many regions around the world already face water scarcity, and conservation helps ensure equitable access to water for both present and future generations.
  3. Energy Efficiency: Water conservation also translates into energy savings. Treating, transporting, and heating water requires significant energy inputs. By using less water, we reduce energy consumption and associated carbon emissions.

Practical Water Conservation Tips:

  1. Fix Leaks: Addressing household leaks promptly can save significant amounts of water. Check faucets, toilets, and pipes for leaks regularly, and repair them as soon as possible.
  2. Efficient Water Use: Opt for water-efficient appliances and fixtures, such as low-flow toilets, showerheads, and aerated faucets. These reduce water consumption without compromising functionality.
  3. Outdoor Watering Practices: Adjust outdoor watering schedules to avoid excessive water evaporation. Water your plants early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Consider using drip irrigation systems or collect rainwater for watering purposes.
  4. Water-wise Landscaping: Choose native, drought-tolerant plants for your garden, as they require less water to thrive. Mulching can also help retain moisture and reduce evaporation.
  5. Mindful Indoor Practices: Be mindful of water usage indoors. Take shorter showers, turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth or washing dishes, and only run the dishwasher or washing machine with full loads.
  6. Harvest Rainwater: Install rain barrels or cisterns to collect rainwater for non-potable uses, such as watering plants or cleaning.
  7. Educate and Advocate: Spread awareness about the importance of water conservation within your community and encourage others to adopt water-saving practices. Support policies and initiatives that promote responsible water management and conservation.

Collective Impact: Individual efforts, when combined, have a significant impact on water conservation. By cultivating a culture of water conservation within our communities, workplaces, and homes, we can collectively contribute to a more sustainable and water-resilient future.

Water conservation is a shared responsibility that benefits both our environment and future generations. By adopting simple yet effective water-saving practices, we can make a positive difference in preserving this precious resource. Let’s embrace water conservation as a way of life and work together towards a sustainable future for all. Remember, every drop counts!

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Embracing the Potential of Wastewater and Greywater: A Sustainable Approach to Water Management

In our pursuit of sustainable water management, wastewater and greywater are emerging as valuable resources that deserve attention. Let’s delve into the concept of wastewater and greywater, their distinct characteristics, treatment processes, and the potential they hold for conserving water, reducing pollution, and promoting a circular economy.

Understanding Wastewater and Greywater: Wastewater refers to water that has been used in various domestic, commercial, or industrial activities, including flushing toilets, washing dishes, or manufacturing processes. Greywater, on the other hand, specifically refers to non-toilet wastewater generated from activities such as bathing, laundry, and handwashing. While wastewater and greywater may contain impurities, they also contain significant amounts of water that can be recycled and reused.

Treatment Processes: Wastewater and greywater undergo treatment processes to remove contaminants, pathogens, and pollutants, making them suitable for safe reuse. The treatment typically involves a combination of physical, biological, and chemical processes, such as sedimentation, filtration, disinfection, and advanced technologies like membrane filtration or ultraviolet (UV) disinfection. These processes effectively clean the water, ensuring it meets quality standards for its intended reuse applications.

Applications and Benefits:

  1. Irrigation and Landscaping: Treated wastewater and greywater can be used for landscape irrigation, reducing the demand for freshwater. This application is especially beneficial in arid regions or during periods of drought, where water resources are limited.
  2. Toilet Flushing: Treated greywater can be used for toilet flushing, significantly reducing freshwater consumption in residential, commercial, and public buildings. This application offers a practical solution for conserving water in areas where water scarcity is a concern.
  3. Industrial Processes: Treated wastewater can be utilized in industrial processes that do not require potable water, such as cooling systems, manufacturing, or cleaning applications. By using recycled water, industries can minimize their reliance on freshwater sources, reducing overall water consumption and preserving resources.
  4. Aquifer Recharge and Environmental Restoration: Treated wastewater can be utilized for aquifer recharge or environmental restoration purposes, replenishing groundwater reserves or supporting the health of ecosystems such as wetlands and rivers. This application contributes to water resource sustainability and ecosystem preservation.

Challenges and Considerations: While wastewater and greywater reuse offer significant benefits, there are certain challenges and considerations to address:

  1. Treatment Efficiency: Ensuring the effectiveness of treatment processes is essential to meet water quality standards and minimize health risks associated with recycled water.
  2. Regulatory Framework: Establishing clear regulations and guidelines for wastewater and greywater reuse is crucial to ensure public health and safety.
  3. Public Perception: Educating the public about the safety and benefits of recycled water is essential to overcome any concerns or misconceptions and gain acceptance for its reuse.
  4. Infrastructure and Implementation: Developing the necessary infrastructure and integrating wastewater and greywater reuse systems into existing water management practices require investment, planning, and collaboration among stakeholders.

Wastewater and greywater should be viewed not as waste but as valuable resources in our journey towards sustainable water management. Through effective treatment processes and responsible reuse, we can conserve water, reduce pollution, and create a circular economy that maximizes the potential of our water resources. Embracing the opportunities presented by wastewater and greywater allows us to build a more sustainable and resilient water future for generations to come.

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Building Water Resources Infrastructure Resiliency for a Sustainable Future

Water resources infrastructure plays a crucial role in providing us with safe, reliable, and sustainable water supplies. In the face of increasing climate uncertainties, population growth, and aging infrastructure, ensuring the resilience of our water systems is paramount. In this blog post, we explore the concept of water resources infrastructure resiliency, its significance, key elements, and strategies for building a more resilient water future.

Understanding Water Resources Infrastructure Resiliency: Water resources infrastructure resiliency refers to the ability of our water systems to withstand and adapt to various challenges, including climate change impacts, extreme weather events, population growth, and aging infrastructure. It involves proactive planning, design, and management practices to enhance system reliability, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

Key Elements of Resilient Water Infrastructure:

  1. Redundancy and Flexibility: Resilient water systems incorporate redundancy and flexibility, such as redundant pipelines, multiple sources of water supply, and adaptable infrastructure designs. These measures ensure continued water availability even during disruptions or emergencies.
  2. Robustness and Adaptability: Resilient infrastructure is built to withstand and recover from extreme events, such as floods or droughts. It also has the capacity to adapt to changing conditions, including rising sea levels, increased precipitation, or shifts in water availability.
  3. Integrated Water Management: Resilient water systems adopt integrated approaches that consider the entire water cycle, including water supply, distribution, wastewater management, stormwater control, and water reuse. Such integration optimizes resource allocation and improves overall system efficiency.
  4. Technology and Innovation: Leveraging advanced technologies and innovative solutions enhances the resilience of water infrastructure. Smart sensors, data analytics, and real-time monitoring systems enable proactive management, early detection of issues, and prompt response to disruptions.

Building Resilient Water Systems:

  1. Risk Assessment and Planning: Conducting comprehensive risk assessments helps identify vulnerabilities and potential threats to water infrastructure. This information guides planning and investment decisions to prioritize infrastructure upgrades, maintenance, and adaptation strategies.
  2. Infrastructure Upgrades and Maintenance: Regular maintenance and targeted infrastructure upgrades are essential for enhancing resilience. This includes asset management, rehabilitation of aging infrastructure, and incorporating climate resilience measures in construction and design practices.
  3. Diverse Water Sources and Supply Options: Diversifying water sources, such as integrating groundwater, surface water, and recycled water, reduces dependence on a single source and enhances water supply reliability. Developing alternative supply options, such as rainwater harvesting or desalination, further strengthens resilience.
  4. Community Engagement and Education: Engaging communities in water conservation, promoting awareness of water issues, and encouraging responsible water use foster a culture of resilience. Educating the public about the importance of water conservation and sustainable practices is vital for long-term water resource resilience.

Building water resources infrastructure resiliency is crucial for ensuring a sustainable water future. By incorporating redundancy, adaptability, integrated management approaches, and leveraging technology and innovation, we can enhance the resilience of our water systems. Through strategic planning, infrastructure upgrades, and community engagement, we can safeguard water supplies, protect against water-related risks, and create a sustainable and resilient water future for generations to come.

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Reservoirs and Dams: Guardians of Water Resources

Reservoirs and dams are remarkable engineering marvels that serve as guardians of our precious water resources. In this blog post, we delve into the significance of reservoirs and dams, their benefits, environmental considerations, and their role in water supply, flood control, hydroelectric power generation, and recreation.

The Purpose of Reservoirs and Dams: Reservoirs and dams are designed to store water, creating artificial lakes by impounding rivers or streams. They serve multiple purposes, including:

  1. Water Supply: Reservoirs act as storage facilities, holding water during wet periods and releasing it during dry spells, ensuring a reliable water supply for communities, agriculture, and industries.
  2. Flood Control: Dams regulate water flow, especially during periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt, reducing downstream flooding by controlling the release of water.
  3. Hydropower Generation: Reservoirs with associated hydroelectric power plants harness the energy of falling or flowing water, converting it into electricity, thus providing a sustainable and renewable energy source.
  4. Recreation and Conservation: Reservoirs offer opportunities for various recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and wildlife observation. Additionally, they can support the preservation of natural habitats and ecosystems.

Environmental Considerations: While reservoirs and dams provide numerous benefits, their construction and operation impact the environment. Environmental considerations include:

  1. Ecological Impact: Altering natural river systems affects the habitats of aquatic organisms, fish migration patterns, and overall ecosystem dynamics. Careful management and mitigation strategies are essential to minimize these impacts.
  2. Sedimentation: Over time, reservoirs accumulate sediment, reducing their storage capacity. Sediment management plans are necessary to maintain the long-term effectiveness of reservoirs.
  3. Water Quality: Reservoirs can experience changes in water quality due to factors like increased algal growth, nutrient loading, and changes in temperature. Monitoring and management practices help ensure water quality standards are maintained.
  4. Public Safety: The safety of dams and reservoirs is of utmost importance. Regular inspections, maintenance, and emergency response plans are critical to prevent failures and protect surrounding communities.

Reservoirs and dams are essential components of water resource management, providing multiple benefits to society. They secure water supply, control floods, generate clean energy, and offer recreational opportunities. While their construction and operation require careful consideration of environmental factors, proper management practices can mitigate potential impacts. By recognizing the value of reservoirs and dams and implementing sustainable practices, we can ensure a reliable water supply, protect communities from flooding, generate clean energy, and preserve our natural ecosystems for generations to come.

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Harnessing the Power of Recycled Water: A Sustainable Solution for the Future

As global water scarcity becomes an increasingly pressing challenge, the need for innovative water management solutions has never been more critical. Recycled water, also known as reclaimed or reused water, is emerging as a sustainable and valuable resource. In this blog post, we explore the concept of recycled water, its applications, treatment processes, and the immense potential it holds for securing a water-efficient future.

Understanding Recycled Water: Recycled water is treated wastewater that has undergone rigorous purification processes to remove contaminants, making it suitable for various non-potable applications. Instead of being discharged into the environment, recycled water is repurposed for beneficial uses, thereby conserving precious freshwater resources.

Applications of Recycled Water: Recycled water has a wide range of applications, including:

  1. Landscape Irrigation: Recycled water is ideal for irrigation purposes, such as watering parks, golf courses, agricultural fields, and landscaping projects. By using recycled water for irrigation, communities can reduce their reliance on freshwater sources, preserving them for essential uses.
  2. Industrial Uses: Industries can utilize recycled water for cooling systems, manufacturing processes, and non-drinking water applications. By incorporating recycled water into their operations, industries can decrease their demand for freshwater, leading to significant water savings.
  3. Toilet Flushing: Recycled water can be used for toilet flushing in residential, commercial, and public buildings. This application offers an efficient way to reduce freshwater consumption while maintaining high sanitation standards.
  4. Environmental Restoration: Recycled water can support ecosystem health and restoration by replenishing wetlands, lakes, and rivers, particularly in areas experiencing water scarcity or drought conditions. It helps sustain habitats, protect wildlife, and promote overall ecological balance.

Treatment Processes: Recycled water undergoes advanced treatment processes to ensure its safety and quality. These processes often include primary and secondary treatment steps to remove solids, followed by tertiary treatment processes like filtration, disinfection, and advanced technologies such as reverse osmosis or ultraviolet (UV) disinfection. These robust treatment measures effectively remove contaminants and pathogens, making the water suitable for its intended reuse applications.

Benefits of Recycled Water:

  1. Water Conservation: Recycled water reduces the strain on freshwater sources, conserving them for essential uses and mitigating the impact of water scarcity.
  2. Environmental Sustainability: By reusing treated wastewater, recycled water minimizes the discharge of effluent into sensitive ecosystems, reducing pollution and protecting natural waterways.
  3. Cost-Effectiveness: Utilizing recycled water can lead to cost savings for communities, industries, and agricultural operations, as it provides an alternative to expensive freshwater sources.
  4. Drought Resilience: Recycled water offers a resilient water supply option, particularly during periods of drought or water restrictions, ensuring the availability of water for critical needs.

Recycled water represents a sustainable and innovative approach to water management. By harnessing the power of advanced treatment processes, we can transform wastewater into a valuable resource for non-potable applications. Embracing recycled water promotes water conservation, environmental sustainability, and resilience in the face of water scarcity. As we work towards building a water-efficient future, recycled water stands as a vital pillar in securing a sustainable water supply for generations to come.