Being a Water Steward
You need water, but the water also needs you.
We are all connected to the water. The effects of our actions around water stewardship have a ripple effect that expands across our communities, across oceans and even over generations. We all play an integral part in creating healthy waters, healthy communities and a healthier future.
Imagine, a future where everyone has access to clean water. No more sewage outflows in the lakes and ocean, no mass deaths of plants and animals due to pollution, no plastics harming the ocean, no fear in drinking your local water, and a future where communities are connected to their local waterbodies. This future is possible and is already in motion, thanks to Water Stewards.
But first, what’s a Water Steward?
6 Traits of a Water Steward:
A Water Steward knows and shares their Watermark.
They’ve identified their unique connection to water. They know their water story, otherwise known as a “Watermark” and they share that story to help inspire connection, protection and understanding.A Water Steward seeks education and learning opportunities.
They are curious about water science and continuously seek further education, diverse perspectives and learning opportunities to help them dive deeper into their watershed. They understand that knowledge is a powerful tool in water protection.A Water Steward experiences the water.
They get out there and immerse themselves in it. They swim in the water, paddle in it and go down to spend time by the shoreline. They connect in their own way.A Water Steward knows how to protect their watershed.
They know which laws and regulations protect the water. They may also come up with new approaches and innovative ways to protect the water.A Water Steward participates in protection.
They’re actively involved and engaged in protecting the water and engaging others as well. Whether that is through work, volunteering, learning, donating etc.A Water Steward truly commits to protecting what they love.
They become dedicated to connecting, protecting and restoring the water. That commitment is unmistakable. It inspires others to get involved in becoming Water Stewards and join the movement towards a swimmable, drinkable, fishable future for everyone.
What traits do you resonate with? What traits would you like to develop?
Maybe you can start by asking yourself: “What am I doing to protect the water, today, tomorrow and for the future?”
Trying to save and protect the water and thereby saving the world can be daunting (to put it mildly), and although it may seem like a big challenge to tackle, it doesn’t have to be. Every action makes an impact. The more people that come together for the clean water movement, the more impact every action can have.
What are some actions you can take to become a Water Steward?:
Shoreline Clean-ups: You can find clean-ups in your areas from; Oceans Wise or Vancouver-based clean-ups with The Green Coast Rubbish, A Greener Future runs frequent clean-ups around the Great Lakes, Swim Drink Fish also runs clean-ups from coast to coast. Keep up to date on clean-up opportunities by signing up for our newsletter. If you don’t know where to find a shoreline clean-up in your area, you can also organize your own clean-up. Grab a group of friends, some garbage bags, and gloves and head to the shoreline!
Sharing your Watermark: Watermarks are stories of water. Sharing your Watermark will help protect that body of water. Whether spoken, written, filmed, or illustrated, every Watermark makes an impact. Share your Watermark >
Learn about water science: Knowledge is power and by educating yourself, you can also help educate others and expand your insights into how you can be an impactful Water Steward.
Expand your perspective: Explore cultural and traditional perspectives around water, and expand your own understanding of the importance of water. Learn about Water Walkers >
Donate: Every bit helps, and every bit of your donation goes directly towards protecting your water. Every water sample costs $10, and your $10 can help us collect important water health data to use for advocacy and public awareness. Donate >
Get involved in decision-making: Be a part of important conversations around water protection and policymaking. Reach out to your local governments and get involved.
Become a Community Scientist: Join one of our Water Monitoring hubs for sampling.
Swim Guide reports: Use Swim Guide to report any pollution you come across on the shoreline to notify the affiliate connected to that shoreline. Report pollution >
Lend your voice, skills, insights, and passion to initiatives around water stewardship. There are so many ways to get involved! Your involvement can help make a big difference in the movement towards creating swimmable, drinkable, fishable water for everyone.