Yes We Cam launched to raise awareness of precious chalk streams
Posted: 23 July 2024
Following the success of last year's award-winning 'Can for The Cam' campaign, which achieved daily water savings of 940,000 litres during the peak summer months, we are excited to announce the launch of a new, ambitious initiative: 'Yes We Cam'.
'Yes We Cam' aims to smash last year’s target by saving 2 million litres of water a day. That would reduce local water use by over 4% and keep that water in the local chalk streams, as well as saving the carbon emissions to pump and treat that water.
This comprehensive water conservation campaign aims to engage residents across Cambridgeshire by fostering a community-wide effort to save water, adopt more sustainable water usage practices and work together to protect our precious and unique local chalk streams.
Protecting our unique chalk streams
Cambridgeshire is home to many of the world's rare chalk streams, including the River Cam. They are often referred to as England's Amazonian rainforest or Great Barrier Reef. They are rarer than the Bengal Tiger.
These streams are irreplaceable, and their health is directly tied to reduced water consumption. As 100% of Cambridge's drinking water is sourced from the same underground sources that feed these chalk streams, it is crucial to maintain their ecological balance to help support their native plants and wildlife.
Through 'Yes We Cam', Cambridge Water aims to inspire residents to adopt this simple, yet powerful initiative, and make one small change to their everyday water habits. By choosing one easy water-saving pledge, everyone can play a crucial part in Cambridgeshire’s biggest ever water-saving action.
"We are asking everyone in Cambridge to take part in ‘Yes We Cam’ and make one small change to their everyday water usage habits. If every one of us makes just one change, together we will play a vital part in reducing water consumption, which in turn will protect our unique chalk streams for many generations to come.”
Natalie Akroyd, Director of Quality and Environment at Cambridge Water and South Staffs Water.
Simple yet effective measures
'Yes We Cam' seeks to reduce current water demand by encouraging people to get involved by taking simple yet effective measures. Residents can sign up to one of six individual pledges, such as taking shorter showers, turning off the tap whilst brushing teeth and using the eco-mode on appliances.
Join in!
Cambridge Water invites all residents to join the 'Yes We Cam' campaign and become part of the solution by making one or more of these simple pledges. Together, we can save, protect and restore our unique chalk streams.
For more information and to make your pledge, go to www.yeswecam.co.uk