Nova Scotians Urged to Protect and Conserve Water

On this, World Water Day, Minister of Environment Sterling Belliveau is reminding Nova Scotians that water is a precious resource in need of our protection and stewardship.

"Canadians have the second highest rate of water usage in the world," said Mr. Belliveau. "Nova Scotians need to work together to protect water sources and use water in a sustainable way."

As part of Canada Water Week, the first Council of the Federation Excellence in Water Stewardship award was presented in each province and territory. Nova Scotia's award went to the Clean Annapolis River Project, whose volunteers and staff have been educating communities along the Annapolis River on water protection and conservation for 23 years.

In addition, the Centre for Water Resources Studies at Dalhousie University received the Excellence in Water Stewardship award from Nunavut for work on wastewater research in the territory.

"The Clean Annapolis River Project and the Centre for Water Resources Studies are both deserving of recognition for their contribution to protecting and conserving our water resources," said Mr. Belliveau. "I offer them congratulations and thanks for their leadership."

Nova Scotia also released its update for 2012 on its water strategy, released in 2010. The report is available at: http://dev.novascotia.ca/nse/water/default.asp.