Water Conservation Tips

• Go Low-Flow

  Retrofitting your home for water efficiency is easy. Advancements in technology for appliances and plumbing now result in huge reductions in water use with comparable (or improved) performance. Install low-flow showerheads and faucets and replace older, water-guzzling toilets and appliances with more water efficient versions.

• Rethink Outdoor Water Usage

  Water consumption triples during summer months as a result of outdoor water use. Luckily, there are many easy ways of using water efficiently without sacrificing the beauty and enjoyment of your yard. Save time and water by planting native species that can adapt to the long and dry summers.

• Experiment with “Naturescaping”

  Your lawn requires less than 2.5 cm (one inch) of water per week to stay healthy. Deep, infrequent watering promotes a strong root system, which is better able to obtain water and withstand dry spells. To support your efforts, substitute traditional landscaping with “naturescaping” – a landscaping technique that strategically places emphasis on plants that grow naturally and require less water. Also, consider collecting and using rainwater as much as possible. Instead of using a hose or pressure washer to clean driveways, siding, fences and other areas around the yard, try using a broom, bucket and brush or another water-efficient method.

• Implement Smart Control Irrigation System - Rebate Available

  A carefully designed irrigation system with efficient components can help apply only just as much water as your landscape needs, reducing waste from overwatering. The CVRD offers rebates for Smart Control irrigation timers that provide irrigation only when required according to the weather and environmental conditions. Smart Control has been shown to reduce outdoor water use by as much as 20-40 per cent annually while maintaining landscape health.

  Learn more about Smart Control Irrigation rebates.

• Check for Leaks - Rebate Available

  Unnecessary water usage can occur both inside and outside of your home. Even slight leaks can add up to large volumes of preventable water loss. Ensure that toilets, faucets, irrigation systems and outdoor hoses aren't leaking and, when performing simple tasks such as brushing teeth and doing dishes, make sure to turn the tap off. 

  Rebates are available for homes where larger leaks have gone undetected for a long period of time.  

  Learn more about Water Leak Rebates.Learn more about How to Check for Water Leaks

• Dirt Does Matter - Rebate Available

  Take advantage of Soil Amendment Rebates available through the CVRD. Residential property owners are eligible for a rebate of 75 per cent of the cost (up to $200) of purchasing soil to improve the water-holding capacity of your lawn or garden.

  Learn more about Soil Amendment Rebates.

• Every Drop Counts

  Avoid wasting running water when possible. Simple everyday steps like turning the tap off when brushing your teeth or shaving can have big impacts.

• When to Water

  Watering your lawn or garden in the middle of a hot day is not only against bylaw requirements, but it doesn’t allow the water to be captured properly. Water early in the morning and late in the evening for ideal absorption, or as outlined in water restriction requirements. 

  Current Water Restrictions 

• Leave A Little Length

  Mow grass to a height of 5-6 cm to keep roots shaded and better able to retain water. Leave grass clippings on the lawn as mulch to reduce evaporation.

• Micro-Drip = Major Win

  Consider using a micro/drip irrigation system. These systems use low-water-volume irrigation at low pressure to deliver a precise amount of water to the root zone of the plants. Water is applied slowly, which makes it easier to penetrate the soil, reducing runoff and evaporation.