Water Wisdom: Using Water Wisely

Toxic Algae in Summer Spotlight

FACT: Only 50% of U.S. Waters meet EPA Clean Water Standards.

Here are a few practical tips for safe enjoyment of natural Waters,

for us and our animal friends:

• Check with local Park, Public Lands and Water authorities for current information on local toxic algae outbreaks and incidents of water-borne illnesses or microorganisms.
  
• As Summer heats up and rain becomes sparse, always choose larger bodies of Water in which to recreate and fish: dilution helps.
• Think twice about contact with and fishing from Waters not receiving fresh water inputs.  Combined with the heat of Summer, the conditions are ripe for a bumper crop of nasty algae, bacteria, micoorganisms and coodies.
• Even if toxic algaes may not be present, channels and bodies of fresh Water can simply get skunky without rain.  My Beloved Dog Spot and I loved Summer lake swimming, but stopped until respectable inputs of rain recommenced.  What alerted me to adopt this practice was his ears, which predictably became bothersome when Lake volume declined.
• Practice vigilance with eyes, nose and mouth when swimming.  Hold your nose when doing cannonballs~!
• Take care with cuts and scrapes, which could be infrequent vectors for water-borne pathogens such as Vibrio vulnificus.
  
• Establish post-enjoyment routines for hygiene, laundry, toy and boat maintenance to reduce problematic hitchhiking residues and invasive species transmissions via poorly drained boats.
  
• Referencing the statistic at the top of the page, consider your water recreation carefully when swimming in international waters that may not have the standards and oversight as in the U.S.
  

U.S. Drought Maps and Data Great visuals and statistics for comprehending the magnitude, severity, proximity and impacts of drought.

Water and Wildfires Fire is a natural occurrence and influence in nearly all ecosystems--except that 85-90% are human-caused (U.S). Here is discussion of impacts of fire within watersheds.

Discover the Forest: nifty U.S. Forest Service mapping tool searches for nature-based experiences in proximity to your zip code.

Another USFS mapping tool includes activity filters to customize your enjoyment of our Country's diverse, awe-inspiring public lands: It's All Yours.

If you're enjoying the incredible discoveries about the Human Microbiome, learn about what lives within the "skin of the Earth": The Hidden Half of Nature by David Montgomery (author of Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations).

How America uses its Land Enjoy a great series of maps  depicting land use and allocation.

Sewer History: thorough coverage of the history and evolution of Sanitary Sewer systems across the World. Fascinating~!

Wisdom:

1) the quality of being wise and applying experience, knowledge and good judgment.

2) the soundness of actions or decisions arising from the  application of experience, knowledge and good judgment. 

3) body of knowledge and proven principles that develops within society or a system.

Research is proving Nature's healing capacities.  Most of us did not need research to affirm the magnitude and diversity of feelings, experiences and effects when beholding or immersed in Nature~!  But research that validates the spectrum of Nature's wellness benefits is helpful in shaping policy, urban planning, architecture, corporate wellness programs, conventional medicine, rehab programs, schools and education: to facilitate connection to Nature. 

Been awhile since you've made a date with Nature~?  Nature misses you....and is there for you when you're ready for deeply restorative, uplifting, inspiring experiences.