How will you celebrate Earth Day this year?

First held on April 22, 1970, Earth Day demonstrates support for environmental protection and is a reminder of our responsibility to safeguard our planet for future generations.

Many folks I know mark the special day by planting trees, shrubs and flowers, or by helping to clean litter from public spaces.

But what about the water?

When we think of the environment we are trying to safeguard, let’s not forget the water, which is essential for the survival of every plant and animal, including ourselves.

Several favorite memorable quotes remind us of the vital role water holds in our ability to exist.

Famous painter, sculptor and architect, Leonardo da Vinci, once said, “Water is the driving force of all nature.”

Jacques Cousteau, oceanographer and environmentalist, agreed.

“We forget that the water cycle and the life cycle are one,” he declared.

And I love this witty reminder by British-American poet and playwright, W.H. Auden: “Thousands have lived without love, not one without water.” How true.

According to science, we can live more than a month without food, but we can’t live more than a week without water.

Despite the amount of water on our planet, more than 96 percent of it is in the oceans, making it too salty and unfit for drinking, irrigation, and even most industrial purposes.

With only a little more than 3 percent fresh water for the entire world, our needs cannot be met if the water continues to be polluted, overexploited, or hoarded.

The best way to protect our precious water supply is through education – getting the information out to the public, who together can make change happen.

We can raise awareness about pollution and encourage action for a healthier planet.

Many small efforts on a personal level can add up to major progress.

For example, take shorter showers.

Get wet, turn off the water, soap up and then rinse.

While brushing teeth, don’t keep the faucet running.

Wait to run clothes washers and dishwashers until you have a full load.

If washing dishes by hand, don’t keep the water flowing. Use a basin instead.

Plant native landscapes that require little or no watering in summer.

Grass takes a lot of water to maintain and has little value to the environment.

Fix water leaks – even tiny ones. Over time, the water loss adds up to many gallons.

And install low-flow shower heads and toilets in the bathroom.

Keep chilled drinking water in the refrigerator rather than running the tap until the water becomes cold.

Outdoors, we can conserve water by washing our cars with a bucket and using the hose simply to rinse.

Instead of hosing driveways and sidewalks, we can use a broom to clean them.

I capture the water from my dehumidifier and air conditioner and use this “gray water” for my plants, indoors and outside.

Rain water also can be collected in containers and used for watering plants during dry spells.

Being good caretakers of our fresh water means more than just conserving it, however.

We also have to keep it clean. Clean water is the foundation of good health.

Our water supply is being polluted by agricultural waste, pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides and various other chemicals.

A contaminated water supply makes it life-threatening rather than life-affirming.

Avoid putting medicines and products such as paint thinners, antifreeze and automotive oil into the water supply.

We the people have power.

We can get involved and advocate for clean water by calling our local, state and federal government officials, demanding action, such as governmental controls and better enforcement practices, not weakening of existing safeguards.

We can join and support environmental groups that are lobbying Congress and fighting battles in court for our right to clean water.

We can help to create a healthier planet now, before the wells run dry. Happy Earth Day to all.