Water Conservation in Action

Our water provider, China Peak Ski area, had some issues with their water system on Friday morning, and we found ourselves without water for a few hours. Fortunately, we were able to get water delivered to camp within a few hours and kept a steady series of water truck deliveries on Friday and Saturday so that we always had plenty of potable water for drinking, hand washing, dish sanitization, etc. As of yesterday afternoon, the water problem was resolved at China Peak and our regular water delivery from China Peak resumed at the normal level.

During the short period of time (a few hours on Friday) when we did not have running water, our operations team used creek water to keep toilets flushing properly.

Because of the water deliveries, all normal water use was encouraged, including showers. We did encourage campers to use “start-stop” showers (turning off water while lathering) to conserve water, and many campers enjoyed the option of taking a “lake shower” (with biodegradable soap we provided). Many kids thought that was pretty fun.

At Saturday’s dinner, to be cautious with our water supply, we turned off the juice machines to conserve some water, which probably had the most impact on the campers, who really like their juice. As of today (Sunday), all regular water use (including the POG juice machine, hot chocolate machine, and regular showers) is back to normal.

During the short period of time on Friday morning when we did not have water flowing throughout camp, we provided campers with fresh drinking water in igloo containers throughout camp and had plentiful baby wipes and hand sanitizer available at all the bathrooms and at the dining porch.

Campers were never without drinking water or the ability to sanitize their hands. Our food service operated as normal, albeit with paper plates, and camper activities were not affected. And our operations team were heroic in their efforts to keep water flowing through all of our bathrooms.

We now have a 5,000 gallon back-up tank installed (specially delivered Friday evening and installed by our operations team) in case we ever have another issue with our water provider. Rest assured that the juice machine and hot chocolate machines (two camper favorites) are back in action.