British Columbians Encouraged to Let Their Creativity for Water Flow by Entering "What's Water Worth to You" Contest to Win!

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - May 4, 2015) - The BC Water and Waste Association (BCWWA), a not-for-profit organization that represents the people who work every day to keep our water clean and safe - from source to tap to drain and back - is asking British Columbians to share their passion for our province's water and wastewater systems by entering creative videos, stories or pictures into the "What's Water Worth to You" contest, as part of Water Week, May 3-9, 2015. The contest kicks off today and runs through September, with a cash prize for one lucky winner of $2,500.

Contest entries, submitted online at www.valueofwater.ca will be judged based upon whether they demonstrate an appreciation, understanding and passion for water services and resources; are innovative, original and creative; and are regionally focused on BC or the Yukon. BCWWA plans to showcase entries on their website, as well as through social and traditional media, to share the enthusiasm for BC's water during the contest period.

"If there is one thing British Columbians have always had strong feelings about, it is our water and wastewater systems, which are critically important to our health, safety, and environment" said Tanja McQueen, CEO of the BC Water and Waste Association. "Contests like "What's Water Worth to You" and events like Water Week are important reminders that we all depend on water systems to deliver clean water to our taps, and collect and treat wastewater from our homes and businesses so that it can be returned safely to the environment. There is no substitute."

In addition to the "What's Water Worth to You" contest, BCWWA is also actively promoting Water Week events around the province, where municipalities, regional districts, schools and other local organizations are organizing opportunities for residents to learn more about their local water systems. Events and information listed at www.valueofwater.ca include a mural painting by a visual arts class at a school in Nelson, and viral videos created by the Cowichan Watershed Board, as well as many more activities across the province.

Added McQueen, "While events like Water Week are important for greater awareness, we should treat every week like Water Week. Each and every one of us can take action to conserve, protect, and support our water systems, to ensure that they are safe and sustainable for generations to come."

Some other quick and easy ways to keep water and water systems top of mind this week, and every day, include:

Conserve:

• Install water saving devices, including low-flow toilets and showerheads
• Reduce outdoor watering; landscape with drought tolerant plants

Protect:

• Return un-used drugs to the pharmacy and dispose of chemicals at approved facilities, to prevent them from getting into our environment
• Reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides, so that these chemicals do not wash into our stormwater systems

Support:

• Encourage your elected officials to support the renewal of our water and sewer systems
• Know what's planned for water infrastructure in your community and support investment in it

For more hints and tips about how to preserve and protect our water and wastewater systems, and to enter the "What's Water Worth to You" contest, visit www.valueofwater.ca.