KATHY LUTHER: Use deicing agents sparingly to protect streams

Remember that today’s snow is tomorrow’s river and lake. Here is my annual list of how to limit the stormwater pollution you create during the winter.

KATHY LUTHER: Give thanks for water, conserve it carefully

Since this is a Thanksgiving column, you are either reading this column with the delicious aroma of turkey in the oven, or you are dozing over your newspaper in a pleasant turkey tryptophan-induced daze. While you are thinking of all the things you are thankful for -- whether family, friends…

KATHY LUTHER: Valpo turning green at conference today, tomorrow

Many people recycle, and that is a great green thing to do. Some conserve energy by turning down the thermostats, changing light bulbs and replacing windows when they can. These are great steps individuals can take toward a green future. But there is a lot more we can do together in our citi…

KATHY LUTHER: Here's your chance to support clean water

Public opinion polls show Americans want clean water. Our own surveys of Northwest Indiana residents found that 91 percent value clean water.

KATHY LUTHER: Become well grounded for groundwater protection

I’ve written a lot about stormwater runoff and ways to protect it. Today I’m thinking about the water underneath the ground and how the two are connected.

KATHY LUTHER: When geese are well fed, you'd better duck

Now that spring is truly here, it is hard not to notice some of our feathered friends settling down for a season of reproduction. Who doesn't enjoy the site of Canadian geese gracefully sailing across a lake, the cute upturned tail of a dabbling duck, or soaring seagulls circling at the beac…

KATHY LUTHER: Harvest rain water for use on lawn, in garden

The old Bing Crosby standard "Pennies from Heaven" reminds us that rain falling from the sky is valuable and that clouds and showers now lead to sunshine and flowers later. The song recommends turning your umbrella upside down to catch this treasure.

KATHY LUTHER: Use chemicals with care to reduce harmful effects

You probably already know that many of the common household products used for cleaning, home improvement, pest control or other purposes need to be handled with care. Yet despite label language such as "Danger," "Caution," "Warning" or "Toxic," we can get so used to household chemicals that …

KATHY LUTHER: Snow provides proof of urban runoff pollution

Are you a stormwater pollution skeptic? Do you tend to think that all the talk about runoff causing water pollution is just an urban legend designed to distract us from more important topics?

First non-city resident named to Valpo utilities board

VALPARAISO | Mark Thiros, 49, was named Tuesday to fill the vacancy on Valparaiso's Utilities Board.

Utility board membership discussed

VALPARAISO | It appears the city can appoint someone to the utilities board who does not live inside Valparaiso's city limits.

Valpo wants to name nonresident to utility board

VALPARAISO | To expand representation on the city's Utilities Board, Mayor Jon Costas wants to appoint someone who receives city water and sewer services but lives outside city limits.

KATHY LUTHER: Planning for clean water in 2040

Many have said that the 21st century will be the century of water. In the not too distant future, clean freshwater will be as precious as oil seems right now.

Valpo finds high copper levels in water

VALPARAISO | Recent tests of water from faucets in older homes turned up five cases of excess copper, a Water Department official said Tuesday.

KATHY LUTHER: What is a tree worth to you?

Fall is in the air. Now, some folks greet the beautiful fall color show of our urban trees with excitement and pure aesthetic appreciation. Others look at a few golden leaves starting to fall and can think only of the how much work all that raking will be.

KATHY LUTHER: We humans are polluting our water

We in Northwest Indiana have polluted water. I'm not just talking about any kind of pollution; I'm talking about Escherichia coli. Yes, E. coli, otherwise known as bacteria, pathogens, indicators and other names I can't mention in a family paper.

KATHY LUTHER: You can make mosquito season less of a pain

With all the rain we've been having, it's not too much of a surprise that the bloodsuckers are out in full force. And I don't mean vampires. Yes, it's mosquito season out there.

KATHY LUTHER: Let's try not to P on our lawns this year

Spring has finally gotten a solid grip on the region, and green is busting out all over. With spring comes a pretty long list of yardwork and gardening chores. Along with the thrill of watching spring bulbs bloom, lawn mowers, gardening equipment and lawn spreaders are coming out of the gara…

Septic systems' role in stream contamination questioned

A lack of regulations for septic systems could be partly to blame for E. coli contamination in local waters, and officials are discussing how to solve the problem.

KATHY LUTHER: Clean, safe water is never free, so save it

Water, and this time of the year, snow, falls out of the sky whether we like it or not, in a seemingly endless supply. And yet, when we think about it clean, safe water is never free.