Koinonikos

Giving Thanks for God’s Gift of Water

by Maureen Rojas

This summer we’re seeing more news coverage about the availability of clean water and its importance to our survival and our future.

Living in the desert, we experience the direct connection between water and life. Earlier this year, we were blessed by a “super-bloom,” thanks to higher-than-average rainfall last winter and spring. In other years we’ve seen the devastating effects of drought on our forests, lakes and rivers.

There are many ways to show our thanks for God’s sacred gift of water and to preserve it for future generations. The Arizona Department of Water Resources provides a variety of Water Conservation Tips for Arizona Residents.

The S.A.G.E. team (Spiritual Activists Greening the Earth) encourages Dayspring members to pledge at least two new actions or habits this year to protect God’s sacred creation. Here are a few examples to consider; you can find the full list at: new.azwater.gov/sites/default/ .files/media/ Conservation_Tips_2015_2.pdf

CONSERVATION TIPS

• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or washing your hands (until you’re ready to rinse).

• Install water-saving shower-heads or flow restrictors. Keep showers under five minutes.

• Wash produce in the sink or a pan partially filled with water, instead of running water from the tap. Then use the wash water to water plants.

• Minimize turf/grass areas. Plant low-water use and drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees.

• Water plants only when necessary. More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering.

• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways, sidewalks, streets and parking areas.