As a part of salmon stewardship, MVIHES provides resources to promote wise water use, improve land-use practices, and assist in watershed protection and improvement.

In 1960, 2.6 million people lived in the Georgia Basin - Puget Sound area. Today more than 6 million people live here and, if present trends continue, by 2020 the population will grow by an additional 3 to 5 million people. Growth at this rate challenges our conventional notions of how we manage our water resources and plan our communities.
 
The Community Clean Water Initiative is offering you the opportunity to make a difference where you live.  Below, and in our brochure, you will find suggestions on what you can do today to be water wise. Every drop counts!  For more information please Contact Us.

Help Conserve Water

• Landscape with drought-resistant plants.
• Use soaker hoses only before 8 am or after 8 pm.
• Use an irrigation timer and water once a week or less.
• Help your soil hold water - add compost and thick mulch.
• Use a water saver shower head and toilet retrofits.
• Collect rainwater in rain barrels for outdoor use.

Protect Water Quality

• Pollution in storm water run-off increases stress on our drinking water supplies, rivers, oceans and wetlands
• Eliminate pesticide and chemical fertilizer usage
• Maintain your vehicle and check for leaks
• Take toxic chemicals to the appropriate disposal facility.
• Use non-toxic house and garden products.

Increase Groundwater Infiltration

• Excessive storm water run-off harms watercourses and wastes precious water that should be recharging our aquifers
• Install a rain barrel or disconnect downspout
• Install a rain garden to infiltrate runoff from your property.
• Use less cement and pavement and more natural land cover.
• Use paving stones or crushed rock instead of pavement.

Do More with Less!

You can reduce the demand on existing water supplies and limit the amount of waste by using technologies that limit water use in the home, on lawns, driveways and in the garden.