09/05/2008 -
Water Conservation Campaign Launched
The importance of safeguarding our treated water supplies was highlighted at the formal launch of Sligo Local Authorities Water Conservation Campaign. The launch was attended by Mayor Councillor Jonathan McGoldrick, Leas Cathaoirleach Councillor Martin Baker, Environmentalist and broadcaster Duncan Stewart, and representatives of the farming and business community.
In his address Mayor McGoldrick stressed that ‘the contribution of the various sectors in this initiative will focus public attention on the importance of this subject. The active involvement of the farming community, local businesses and schools will ensure this message is conveyed to a wide audience, and I expect tangible results from the roll out of this programme over the coming months.’
The Mayor continued ‘There is a growing consensus that the issue of water conservation is not the exclusive preserve of Local Authorities, this is an initiative where we can all play a part. This endeavour is dependent on the goodwill and active support of all consumers, and the measures outlined here today can apply in any environment. I believe the approach adopted by the Sligo Local Authorities could well form the template for other Authorities to imitate.’
Leas Cathaoirleach Councillor Martin Baker complimented the Sligo Local Authorities ‘Water Services Section on ‘the excellent work being delivered in the areas of water conservation and network management. Some of the figures presented in the brochures published for the launch should serve as a wake-up call for anyone who might be complacent about this subject. We each use on average 33 gallons of clean, treated water every day, and a leaking ball valve in a water trough can waste up to 33,000 gallons of water a year.’
Sligo County Council’s Administrative Officer, Water Services feels that ‘Water is a valuable resource which has been taken for granted over the years. A number of developments in recent times have forced consumers to look at the amount of water they use and see if they can use alternative sources for non-domestic purposes.’
‘It is essential that our water sources are respected and protected so that they can produce high quality drinking water for the people of this county. Part of this can be done by the conservation of water and the elimination of wastage. This is important not just for the present generation but also for future generations.’
Duncan Stewart said that, traditionally ‘we have taken water for granted and have treated it as a free resource. As a society we have to look at all aspects of sustainability, economic, social and environmental, and water conservation is a hugely important part of this.’
Duncan feels that ‘we have incredible disregard for water as a resource, and this will have to change. As long as water is free, there is no incentive to conserve. This is a major challenge, and I think that schools can be centres of excellence in terms of sustainability – the excellent work done by Carraroe School in Sligo could be a model for others to follow. The work carried out by Sligo Local Authorities Water Services Department has already yielded tangible results, and it is important that this endeavour is supported by the wider community.’
A podcast of the Water Conservation launch is available on Sligo Local Authorities websites www.sligoborough.ie and www.sligococo.ie. The podcast features interviews with Duncan Stewart, Maura O’Rourke, Teacher Carraroe National School and Billy Sommerville of Sligo IFA.
