Water Collaboration

Anyone who has listened to the song “Cool Water” by the Sons of the Pioneers, is made aware of how precious water can be when it is scarce. Cameron residents have had a taste (no pun intended) of that situation this summer.

     A group of Cameron businesses and individuals met in an effort to find a way of being of assistance. They came up with the idea of a “water giveaway” which took place Tuesday evening, September 11, in the parking lot just south of Cameron City Hall. During the evening, volunteers handed out 11 pallets of bottled water, or a total of 924 cases, that is over 12 tons, of water to Cameron residents. Orscheln Farm and Home managers Dalton Osborne and Dustin Dhone, along with a few other volunteers, helped carry water to the vehicles of residents. There were some sore muscles the next day!

    This “water giveaway” was a cooperative effort of several businesses and individuals. Those involved included Orscheln Industries, who provided the water, at cost, along with volunteer help. Also contributing was the Cameron Elks Club, Ice Capital Management, Ocker Insurance, Earley Tractor, Plant Maintenance Services, Bruce Witt, Zac Johnson, and John Feighert. Kudos to all!

    The group reminds us that while the immediate water crisis has improved due to recent rains, we are still well below optimum levels. This is a community crisis that needs community cooperation to reduce usage.

     Tips to save water indoors:

     * check all faucets, pipes, and toilets for leaks

     * Take shorter showers/turn off shower while scrubbing

     * Turn off water while brushing teeth/shaving

     * Defrost frozen foods in the refrigerator;

     * Rinse vegetables/fruits in a full pan of water;

     * Fully load dishwashers before using:

     * Wash full loads of clothing;

     * Rinse dishes in a pan of water

    Tips for outdoor water savings:

     * Plant drought-resistant plants and shrubs

     * Place mulch around plants to reduce evaporation

     * Use a broom instead of a hose to clean drive-ways’

     * Use buckets/tubs or rain barrels to collect rain water for indoor/outdoor plants

     * Raise mower blades to keep grass taller and to reduce evaporation

Residents are encouraged to continue efforts to conserve water. The City is still in the Emergency Water Phase and though the recent rains helped our situation the water levels have not returned to sufficient levels to relax the alert level as of now.