While working at my parent's guesthouse located on the Salmon River, the well pump stopped functioning, preventing any water from reaching the house. We had no expertise in repairing the issue and had to wait for help until the following week. Rather than buy bottled water from the store, we decided to collect river water in front of the house. Every day for a week, we would collect the water in big containers and proceed to use it for all of our water needs including washing dishes and clothes, flushing the toilets, and most importantly, for cooking and drinking. We recreate most days on the river whether it be canoeing, swimming, or fishing but never had we consumed the water directly. Although we boiled the water as a precaution, we were not too concerned about the quality and whether it was safe to drink.

This was an eye-opening experience for me because I truly recognized how lucky we are to have access to fresh, clean water and to never take this access for granted. Furthermore, I also developed a newfound appreciation for the simplicity and privilege of being able to access water with the turn of a tap. Having to lug water from the river and use it efficiently to limit recurring trips highlighted the challenges so many people face to locate and transport water, but also the sustainable consumption of water. While the Salmon River watershed is considered as having an abundance of water, it is important to responsibly consume these resources. My dad often remarks how we do not have to be as water conscious in Sayward compared to when we are at our farm in Victoria because of the abundance and low cost. While this is certainly true, I would argue that we should always strive to conserve water, regardless of whether it is plentiful or not because one day it may not be. It is our ongoing appreciation of water that leads us to safeguard this vital resource. Being faced with this challenge was a significant learning curve and wake up call I am grateful to have experienced to better inform my water consumption now and in the future.