British Columbia is home to 25% of the fresh flowing water in Canada. However, there is enormous pressure on the province's water supply. The increase in population growth, the expansion of industry and agriculture, and the potential for climate change impacts all factor in. It is critical that all residents make every effort to protect one of our most precious resources.

Water conservation is also important when it comes to saving money. Not only will you save money on your water bill, but effective water conservation can also extend the life of our water distribution system and wastewater treatment facilities, lowering future costs. 

There are many ways to reduce consumption and water-conscious households can see savings of up to 40%.

10 Outdoor Water-Saving Tips

1. Many homeowners are “going gold” by reducing the amount of watering during those crucial summer months and letting their grass turn from green to gold. The grass will bounce back to green when the rains return.
2. Go grass free. Use things like decorative bark and stones to spruce things up and virtually eliminate outdoor water needs.
3. Use native plants. Because plants thrive in their native climate, they require minimal maintenance. Climate-appropriate landscaping uses less than half the water of a traditional landscape.
4. Water wisely. Deep, but less frequent watering encourages a strong root system and a healthy lawn. For a green lawn, water up to one inch (2.5cm) per week.
5. Schedule. After a rain, skip watering until next week. Place an empty can or watering gauge around your lawn to determine how long your sprinkler takes to deliver one inch of water. Set your watering timers accordingly.
6. Check for leaks. A leaking irrigation system can cost $250 per month depending on the size of the leak.
7. Weed often. Remove weeds regularly as they compete for water. Overseed damaged areas before weeds can re-establish. 
8. Control the flow. When using a hose, make sure you have an automatic shut-off nozzle.
9. Water early. Water the lawn and garden during the coolest part of the day. Do not water on windy days.
10. Raise your lawn mower cutting height. Longer grass blades help shade each other, cut down on evaporation, and inhibit weed growth.

10 Indoor Water-Saving Tips

1. Replacing outdated toilets with high-efficiency models. A family of four can save thousands of litres of water a year by making the switch.
2. Don’t use the toilet as a trashcan. Things like flushable wipes and dental floss can cause costly pipe blockages.
3. Turn off your water while shaving or brushing your teeth.
4. Scrape dishes before putting them into the dishwasher instead of rinsing them.
5. Make sure your dishwasher and washing machine are fully loaded before you start them.
6. Wash fruits and vegetables in a basin. Use a vegetable brush.
7. Replace inefficient showerheads. High-efficiency showerheads use between 5.6 to 7.6 litres per minute while older models use up to 20.
8. Keep showers short. Strive to keep them at 5 minutes or less. Fill your bathtub only as full as you need.
9. Check for leaks. Household leaks make up to 14% of all indoor water use. Simple and repairs can prevent our drinking water from being wasted.
10. Keep an eye on your water bill. Water use will fluctuate throughout the year, but if you see a significant increase, you may have a leak.

Water Tips for Well Users

Those who use a well as their water source also need to be conscious of their water use. Fresh water is a limited resource, and it is up to all of us to conserve as much as we can.

1. Routinely check your well pump to ensure it’s working. The water lines in your home shouldn’t ever have leaks. You should also always repair or replace a running toilet and leaking faucet. 
2. Instead of pouring your dishwater down the drain, use it to water your indoor or outdoor plants. A dish basin full of water is enough to water 6 small plants or a small garden.
3. Choose energy efficient appliances. Making the switch can save thousands of litres of water each year.

For more water conservation information visit:

Province of British Columbia

Canada Water and the Environment

RDEK Watering Hours:

• East Side Water System Watering Hours
• Holland Creek Watering Hours
• Spur Valley Watering Hours
• Edgewater Watering Hours
• Rushmere Watering Hours
• Moyie Watering Hours
• Elko Watering Hours