The town of Apex is facing a major issue: water waste.

How is this water being wasted, you ask?

Lawn irrigation. 

Our calculations reflect that at least 43 million gallons of water per year are being directed to sprinkler systems that are responsible for the misuse of our available resources. That is millions upon millions of gallons being drained from Jordan Lake despite the Piedmont's adequate climate for plant growth. On average, Apex receives between 44-50 inches of rainfall per year--rainfall perfectly capable of watering lawns. Yet, landowners continue to waste water time and time again, frequently out of vanity and will for an aesthetic lawn.

This over-watering raises two main concerns:

1) Pollution & Cultural Eutrophication. Over-watering can lead to oversaturated soil that is bound to create runoff. If this runoff is exposed to fertilizers, pesticides, or even loose chemicals polluting Apex, it can contaminate water in drainage systems and harm ecosystems where the drainage is dumped. In the town's case, this can be the dozens of retention ponds or creeks located across Apex. 

2) Depletion of Natural Resources. As previously mentioned, over 40 million gallons of water are used on lawn irrigation every single year in Apex alone. That does not account for any of the water used inside homes or by the town of Cary, whom we share our water source with. Jordan lake, connected to the Cape Fear river basin, is the 15 billion gallon container with frequently fluctuating water levels that provides us with this resource--and is at high risk of damage if there were to be drought, contamination, or another threat posed.  

So, why is this important?

The steady increase in the population of Apex as well as surrounding areas has put a strain on our water sources that has never been seen before. Right now the Research Triangle is deemed one of the best places to live in the United States, and we want to keep it that way.

If we don't take action to reduce water waste now, it will continue until the resource is no longer accessible to all and we are forced to face out mistakes. But the fact of the matter is it would not only be us suffering the consequences---it's the future generations. In a world already full of issues, the least people can do is try to prevent further damage to the planet that they themselves will not have to deal with. 

By signing this petition you will be supporting our cause that pushes against water overuse, and we can assure you that your opinion will be shared and spoken for by us: the Conserve Water Now team.