Reep Green Solutions and the Region working to protect our drinking water
Around the Region shares the work of community partners. In this edition, we hear from Reep Green Solutions, an environmental charity that has helped people in Waterloo Region live sustainably for 25 years through programs and education. Their expertise includes energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, tree planting, and cultivating healthy yards.
By Aaron Boonstra, Manager of Tree and Winter Maintenance Programs at Reep Green Solutions
As the leaves change colours and begin to fall, many of us are cleaning up the yard, getting out the snow tires, and preparing for colder weather. At Reep Green Solutions, we’re also transitioning from a busy fall of planting trees to preparing for winter.
The Region of Waterloo has partnered with Reep for many years, working towards environmental goals for our community. We’ve worked together on water conservation programs and education, and on our community’s long-term Climate Action Waterloo Region goals. Our mission is to empower the community with practical tools, knowledge, and capacity for action to make sustainable living the norm.
Most recently, we’ve partnered with the Region of Waterloo on the Winter Maintenance Program, which aims to reduce salt from entering the groundwater that supplies this community with 75 per cent of our drinking water. Through this program, Reep advisors complete site visits at commercial, institutional, or multi-residential properties that are required to develop risk management plans (RMPs) under the Grand River Source Protection Plan (2022) and Clean Water Act (2006).
Reep advisors are trained in ways to reduce salt application through the Smart About Salt program. We use this expertise to develop RMPs while giving property owners practical tips to use salt more effectively, so they can maintain safe properties while minimizing the impact on our drinking water.
We check drainage features, like downspouts and catch basins, to ensure they are working effectively and not creating problem areas for ice buildup. The discussion often involves alternatives to salt, like sand or ice melter products, that can be used when temperatures are below –7 C (salt doesn’t work in these colder temperatures).
Advisors also look for areas on the property that could be closed for the winter season. Closing little-used areas, like patios or redundant stairways and walkways, can reduce the areas that may require salting. For properties with more open space, snow fences can help reduce drifting that may require excessive salting. The Region of Waterloo has incentives and resources to help property owners implement any of these changes that will lead to effective salt usage and ultimately safer properties.
Our groundwater is an important resource that needs to be protected and managed for generations to come. If you’re out spreading salt this winter, we would like you to give some thought to other tools and tactics at your disposal to avoid the negative impact salt can have on your property and the Region’s water supply.
As Reep celebrates its 25th year, there have been many opportunities to reflect on the work we’ve done with residents of Waterloo Region to help people live more sustainably. Reep set a goal in 2020 to complete 10,000 meaningful actions by 2030. Three years in, we’re well on track with 4,813 meaningful actions completed so far. Check out our recently-published 2023-2024 Impact Report for some of the highlights, like:
- 350 property consultations
- 1,018 EnerGuide evaluations
- 2,241 event attendees
This progress wouldn’t be possible without support from donors and community partners – and of course from the people of Waterloo Region who are looking to take action for a more resilient, vibrant, caring and sustainable community. You can learn more about the work that Reep Green Solutions on our website. Or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and LinkedIn.