By Ande Finley & Erin Bernardi from Transition Lopez Island

Water, the essential ingredient for life on this planet, is becoming an increasingly scarce resource. According to the World Bank and World Health Organization, two billion people lack access to clean water and one billion people do not have enough to meet even their daily needs. Living on an island we know how precious and limited our reserves are.

In 1992, the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development recommended an international observance for water and an annual World Water Day was launched. Every March 22 is an opportunity to focus attention on a natural resource that all our lives and livelihoods depend on and has become a day on which to be inspired and take action to help those who cannot take water for granted. Together we can make a difference for the most vulnerable people on our planet as well as future generations.

On Tuesday, March 22, World Water Day 2016, Transition Lopez Island will be hosting their next Potluck with a Purpose at the LCCA, 5:45 – 8 p.m., focusing briefly on global water issues with a short slideshow and then bringing the perspective back to local concerns with speakers Nathan Hodges and Huck Phillips.

With a background in urban hydrology and ecology, rainwater harvesting and green design, Nathan will ask Lopezians to consider some water characteristics and challenges that are unique to our island. What do these challenges suggest on a County level? What are some actions individual land stewards might want to consider?

In 1995, Huck Phillips began designing and installing drip irrigation systems. This year he will receive certification to design and install rain water catchment systems through the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association. Huck will address questions about harvesting water and discuss key things to bear in mind before setting up a drip irrigation system or investing in catchment. Sam Bernardi will provide a case study as a resident who designed his own catchment system and survived the trials and tribulations of the County permit process for a residential water supply.

Bring a potluck dish to share and be ready to engage and act. A community conversation on the benefits and challenges of water conservation, drip irrigation, and rain catchment will follow the presentations.