The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

THE NEW TANNER THURSDAY, JULY 22, 199: EDITORIAL Guest Editorial Conserving water Region of Halton Works = Department Water, it's everywhere; in the air we breathe, the beverages we drink, in the plants and animals around us. All life depends on it. Water efficiency does not mean doing without, rather it's about using water more carefully in the home, at work and in the municipal water system itself. This way, we ensure that there will be water when and where we need it. Because water is everywhere, we think it is limitless. There is in fact a fixed quantity of water that is constantly cycling through the earth's ecosystems. We borrow water from na- ture, treat it, use it and treat again before we return it to the natural water cycle. Water efficiency has environmental benefits. Every litre of water saved means less chemicals and energy are used for disposal and treatment. For survival, humans need about two litres per day. Compared with others countries, Canadians use far more water than necessary. The largest water users are showers, toilets, washing machines and water leaks that i . HERE COMES CHARLIE, a stage production popular in the 1920s was produced by students of Acton Continuation School over 70 years ago, probably in the old town hall where so many activi- ties took place then. In this photo loaned by Barb Andrews, the cast posed for the camera. Back row, left to right, are George Mason, Albert Mills, Mary Chalmers, Gord Cook, Rita McNabb, Jack Savage, Helen Cook (McGeachie), Bertha Nephew (Buchanan), Pete McNabb. Front row, left to right, are Laura McMullen (Kirkness), Merle Grindel (Kirkness), Charles Kirkness, Flora Sayers, Oral Chalmers (Norton), and Jimmy Ross. My American cousin remain unrepaired. The good news is that by upgrading water fixtures and changing some habits it is possible to reduce the overall water- use by up to 25 per cent without affecting lifestyle. Older showerheads pass 20 or more litres per minute. Newer showerheads can cut water use in half while still retaining strong water pressure. An added bonus is that low-flow showerheads cut down on hot water use, thus saving on energy bills. Older toilets use almost 12 litres of water each time you flush them. Newer toilets or low flow toilet valves only partially empty the tank, again saving water and money on your water bills. Halton Region's Water Demand Management Program has been designed to enhance residents' awareness regarding water efficiency. The program, running from June 1 - Septem- ber 1, is simple in that all addresses having even number may water lawns on even days and odd numbered addresses water BY ANGELA TYLER The New Tanner Years ago, a movie came out called "My American Cousin". It was about a young Canadian girl and the summer her male, American cousin came to visit her family. This summer, I was introduced to one-of my cousins for the first time. It can be a scary situation when you meet someone for the first time, and are supposed to instantly get along because you are somehow related. Even so, I wanted her trip to Canada to be one she would remember. Although I was a little cautious meeting a young American cousin, my thoughts soon changed. Stephanie is a great sixteen year-old all-American kind of girl. She's cute, athletic, goes to school, has a boy- friend and has attended a prom. I compliment, I think. Soon, two peo- ple who were strangers 8 hours ago, were realizing cousins can have a lot in common. Even though she met a lot of peo- ple and visited many places, I thought she needed know her Cana- dian roots. My unique version of lo- cal facts and Canadian info a 16 year-old needs to know. Of course, before we started I told Stephanie that none of this would probably be of any use to her when she returned home. And only a few family mem- bers would appreciate her newly ac- quired knowledge. First on the agenda, know your homeland. She had already seen Acton so as we left her relative's farm where she was staying, I took her towards Ballinafad. The abbre- viated significance of Ballinafad, two stores some estate homes and the empty lot where the feed mill was. Limehouse, there is still a school, some small businesses, a church and the scout hall. Next up, Norval. We happened to be going to Brampton and I personally found it more in- teresting than reviewing the urban sprawl of Georgetown. Stephanie informed me she wasn't really a book person, but she did know about Anne of Green Gables. I was thrilled...a Canadian link. I told her about Lucy Maude Montgomery and Norval. For a while I was positive she was hu- mouring my unusual take on the world, but when we came home a different way and approached Norval I asked her if she knew where she was. With a serious look around and reviewing the main intersection, Anne of Green Gables soon reeled off her tongue. Ah, close enough. I even tried to quiz her almost a week later. "Stephanie, Norval?" I ques- tioned. Within seconds she replied thought it*would be a good idea to get to know her and spend some time together, but what to do? She's 16 and I'm, well, older than that. What do women do no matter what age?...go shopping. She needed souvenirs and I, like my mother, can always find an excuse to buy clothes. I was actually surprised how much we do have in common. On the way to the mall, the girl, whom I had met for only 15 minutes earlier in the day and I were joking around and comparing family similarities. Though shopping seemed a good idea, the difference in years still worried me. This was enhanced when Stephanie asked me if I ever met her dad. My answer was a hesi- tant, yes. I don't even think she was thought of at that time. I felt an- cient. However, young Stephanie soon informed me that I didn't act almost twice her age. I thanked her sarcastically and she said she didn't think I was that old. | took this as a on odd calendar days. Just this small step in water conserva- tion makes a difference. : : Water efficiency will also help households and businesses save on their water bills. Homeowners wanting to measure the amount of rainfall or the amount of water from home sprinklers can purchase a rain/water guage at local garden centres for about $5. This device will tell you how deep the water has gone into the ground and let you monitor your lawn watering. Ideally, one inch is all you need to keep your lawn. A rain/water guage will prevent overwatering as well as save time and money. Most of the water we use ends up down the drain. There- fore, using it wisely makes good sense. If everyone does a little, we will save a lot of water resources and not have to change our lifestyles. All around it is a good deal. Homeowners and businesses will benefit from the conser- vation strategies identified in the Water Demand Management Program and they will ensure that our water is available for our health and safety needs into the future. Onto bigger areas; Limehouse. There like a drill, "Anne of Green Gables used to be a store in 'downtown' writer." What a gal! Now, what else can you tell a --, young person about Canada that ee makes it uniquely different from the ALD United States? Canadian Tire money 0 ie ; of course. Now explaining Canadian Ne/ S: Tire money was the easy part. Try explaining a Canadian Tire store to Statistics say most women are looking an American, let alonea 16 year-old. When you think about it, the store does sound odd. An automotive parts store where you can get your car fixed, shop for dinnerware, get re- warded for paying with cash and can grab a sausage from the vendor out front. Only in Canada you say? Stephanie has now returned to her native Nevada and | have returned to not ending most of my sentences : with 'eh'. Nevertheless I had fun for a husband: ; meeting her and I often catch my- What's wrong with a self thinking about "My American single man? Cousin" and her vacation to Acton. Ea T Saas Distributed to every home E "hse in Acton and area as well as Hartley Coles adjoining communities. Frances Niblock Mike O'Leary _ Ellen Pieh! ADVERTISING POLICY 59 Willow Street North Angela Tyler Maggie Petrushevsky Every effort will be made to see advertising copy, neatly : a . 5 presented, is correctly printed. The publisher assumes no Acton, Ontario Advertising and Circulation financial responsibility for typographical errors or omis- L7J 1Z8 Marie Shadbolt Vicki Pope son in ee but will ~~ count without charge 7 tin which an error May occur i z Composing that part of an advertisement ae: y oc (5 1 9) 853. 005 1 Fax: 853 0052 Penny Zurbrigg Karen Wetmore provided a claim is made within five days of publication.