Regardless of where you live, one of the best things you can do for the environment is to conserve water. Freshwater degradation is a looming crisis that we must face head on with strong and effective actions. Only three per cent of the earth's water is freshwater - so everyone must work to protect this critical resource. In addition, water-related energy consumes a large amount of energy.

- Set specific water reduction goals - for example, commit to using 20 per cent less per month.

Make specific changes in products used and family member habits:

- Buy water-saving products where needed and get your family involved by asking for specific changes in everyone's habits (e.g., place signs near water outlets reminding family members to reduce consumption by taking shorter showers, turning the faucet off when not needed, only watering outdoor plants in the morning or evening) look for additional ideas below.

- Once a month, add the new usage information to the charts and make adjustments as needed to reach your goals.

- If you have children, increase their allowances by the amount saved to encourage them to get involved in finding new ways to conserve.

- Fix leaks promptly. It is estimated that 13.7 per cent of household water is wasted by leaks. Check your water meter when no one is using water in the house. If it's moving there's a leak. A running toilet can waste two gallons a minute. Check by adding food colouring to the tank without flushing. After 10 minutes, look for leaks indicated by colour in the bowl. This is most likely a worn flapper valve that can easily be replaced.

- Low flow toilets: One of the best ways to avoid wasting water is to switch to low flow or dual flush toilets. n Showers: Replace existing shower heads with the lowest flow product you can find. Shower heads with a mist setting let you reduce water flow even further.

Water conserving tips for the garden:

- Fill your yard with native plants. This will cut down significantly on watering requirements and, in the process, provide much needed food and shelter to wildlife.

- Mulching: Mulch your gardens to reduce water evaporation around your plants (this also reduces weeds and builds healthy soil).

Community cleanup week

Spring cleanup is well underway in Abbotsford and all residents are encouraged to pitch in the week of April 18-24, in recognition of Earth Day on Friday, April 22.

Everyone can help out by picking up litter around the workplace, schools and community parks. Get the kids involved, too.

Special yellow garbage bags are available at the Abbotsford Exhibition Park office, 32470 Haida Dr.

These yellow bags can be put out with your regular garbage pickup without an extra garbage sticker.

- Call 604-557-1464 for more details.