All of the earth's water is a finite resource. As part of this finite resource, our fresh water is becoming scarce and polluted. The water coming from our taps, flowing in our streams, rivers and oceans and seeping into our soils, has been here for eons. Water isn't a renewable resource.
It is simply recirculated throughout the world's ecosystems by means of the hydrological cycle. A healthy natural ecosystem ensures that aquifers, rivers and lakes are replenished and remain clean and productive for the benefit of all living organisms. This natural recirculation can not happen if humans continue to monopolize this resource to the detriment of all other organisms in our ecosystem.
Individual homeowners can help to revitalize our fresh water supply by revising residential landscapes with water enhancement, water conservation and pollution prevention in mind.
An eco-landscape that has evolved into a more natural setting of woodland plantings and wildflower meadows will begin to attract and support a wide variety of wildlife.
Another element that is crucial to this setting is a continuous supply of fresh water. A few homeowners are fortunate enough to have a natural pond or stream on their property or live on the shores of a lake or river. But for most, a clean, fresh water supply will have to be created. One of the best methods is to install a pond. If space is a problem, there are many smaller units, such as barrel ponds, that will provide fresh water. Birdbaths are another excellent means of supply. An eco-landscape that includes a supply of fresh water provides all the essential elements of a natural habitat.
Residents of the Mixedwood Plains Ecosystem are fortunate to reside in an area of relatively high precipitation. But as our personal, industrial, agricultural and recreational use of fresh water increases, we risk depleting much of this resource. To conserve water in home landscapes, reduce or eliminate plant material that requires supplemental irrigation. Much of this irrigation is done with sprinkler systems which waste a high percentage of the water as it simply evaporates into the atmosphere. Native plant material is well adapted to our precipitation levels and doesn't require supplemental watering. Collect water in rain barrels to water flower pots, window boxes, annuals and new plantings. Mulch flower and vegetable gardens, new trees and shrubs to reduce surface water run-off and maintain soil moisture. For more information on mulching, go to Mulch, Mulch and More Mulch.
We are not only depleting fresh water resources but we are responsible for polluting ground water (aquifers), rivers and lakes.
Although much of this pollution can be attributed to industry and agriculture, homeowners must accept some of the blame. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides 
have a nasty habit of seeping into our water sources through surface run-off and leaching. Herbicides, insecticides and nitrates from fertilizers that work their way into aquifers, rivers and lakes are harmful to both humans and wildlife.
The majority of these products are applied to turf areas in home landscapes. If turf is your thing, the least you can do for the environment is to let it survive without chemicals. An ecological initiative would replace turf with native trees, shrubs and wildflowers. These plants are well adapted to our soils and will flourish without the use of chemicals.
Our sources of fresh water do not stop at property lines. So when we overuse or pollute the water in an aquifer, river or lake, we're not the only ones affected. It's everyone's responsibility to protect our precious watersheds!
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