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Office of Sustainability 
WATER
Only about 3% of the world's total water is fresh water, and less than that is drinkable. This makes potable water one of our most precious resources. Much of the world's population does not have access to clean drinking water. Lake Michigan is one of the largest inland seas in the world and the source of drinking water for the over 30 million people in the Chicago metro area and beyond.
For those of us with abundant supplies of fresh water, it is our responsibility to ensure these sources do not become contaminated.
City Examples:
The City has an outdoor watering ban from May 15 through September 15, Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm. Watering your lawn and garden during the day wastes water because evaporation is highest during the hottest parts of the day. Watering instead in the early morning and late evening ensures more water is absorbed where you want it, in the lawn and garden.
On August 13th, 2007, the City of Evanston unanimously voted in favor of a resolution that publicly stated the City’s opposition to the additional dumping of pollutants into lake Michigan that was proposed by British Petroleum for the expansion of a refinery in Whiting, IN.
What can you do?
Use water wisely
Use water conserving plumbing fixtures and water-flow constrictors on sinks and showers. The EPA WaterSense is a good resource for water saving product information (see the resources section below).
Install a rain barrel. Rain barrels collect and store rain water for use later in your yard or garden. This low-tech system not only helps the environment, harvesting rainwater also saves money. At various times throughout the year, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District offers rain barrels at a greatly reduced price.
Plant native trees, grasses, and flowers in your yard. These plants require less water, and their root systems hold the soil in place. The Chicago Botanic Gardens is a great place to view native plants. Consider a visit to the gardens before purchasing a tree or plant for your garden.
Reduce water pollution
Properly dispose of household hazardous wastes such as motor oil, antifreeze, gasoline, drain cleaner, mildew remover, mothballs, lead-acid batteries, chemicals, paint and thinners. The City of Evanston refuse collection crews will not collect hazardous waste products. Residents should call the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County at (847) 296-9205 to find out the locations, times and dates of the nearest household hazardous waste disposal sites.
Clean up litter from your home, business, school, neighborhood, or park. When it rains, water flows over everything on the ground and washes it all into Evanston’s combined sewer system.
Resources
City of Evanston Water Department
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District
OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY