WINS Rural Water Quality Project

In 2002, a series of workshops were held across the province to promote water testing. Due to the success of this initial project, the Women's Institutes felt that more information on issues pertaining to water would be well received by the public and by the WI membership.

In 2004, Women's Institutes of Nova Scotia applied for funding to develop a second phase of this project called the WINS Rural Water Quality Challenge. This phase involved three pilot areas in the province, Hants, Kings and Colchester Counties. The main objective was to take a closer look at potential sources of groundwater contamination in these pilot areas and to encourage homeowners to make a commitment to be proactive in water conservation.

Our coordinator conducted 75 ‘in-home' visits in the respective areas and challenged homeowners to make informed decisions on water quality and conservation issues. Homeowners were given information on water testing, water conservation, lawn and garden care with regard to water usage and information on septic system maintenance. Homeowners, taking the WINS Rural Water Quality Challenge, also received a free bacteria and mineral water test.

Funding for this project was supplied by EcoAction, the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Labour and Agri-Futures Nova Scotia. In-kind services for the project were also provided by the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Women's Institutes of Nova Scotia. A copy of the final report is on file at the WINS office.

Clean Water - Healthy Communities