Water quality

We who live in the Finger Lakes region might not be aware that the richness of our water resources is a factor in the need to protect our lakes from pollution. It's easy to understand that areas affected by drought should make every effort to conserve water. Why should we bother when we live in one of world's water-rich regions? Aging stormwater and sewer systems cannot handle the influx of water from development - all the impervious surfaces that have replaced woodland and farm land. By retaining and reusing rainwater we cut down on the amount of water entering the sewer system, saving the expense of replacing the infrastructure. Permeable pavements with collection systems are a fantastic way to save rainwater for future use - to wash cars, irrigate lawns or planting beds, even provide water for a garden waterfall!