Day 1

I grew up in North Dakota and water there is so different than water here. In the flat lands you cherish and hope it rains, because there are no large scale irrigation plans there.  I feel like we are quite spoiled water wise here and do not do a good job of using it wisely.  We are allowed to water as much as we want in our yards, cars, plants, gardens and just pay a minimal irrigation fee. The water we use in our house for washing, cleaning, cooking is very inexpenisve and allows again for a lot of waste. My father in law lives in California and goes into shock when he visits in the summer with our lack of concern about water conservation. As a science teacher I try to implement and teach my family about water conservation and the importance of watching what goes into drains and the ground. I love spending time in the mountains and last weekend we were at Bull Trout Lake by Stanley. It was shocking and refreshing to see the crystal clear water in the lakes and streams there. Being able to see the fish swim and whats under your feet. Here the Snake River and parts of the Boise river are so nasty, I don't want to get in it. The amount of chemical runoff that is allowed to enter our water ways is very sad. I hope this project can help our state move forward understanding the importance of protecting our watersheds!