Conservation

The Water Conservation initiative took effect in the spring of 2004 with the purpose of reducing Peak Day Demand from a high of 53 ML/day (2003). Presently, the program focuses on increasing the value of water by providing simple solutions to both the residential and the commercial sectors.

Over the years, the success of the program has been attributed in part to:

• Outreach to classrooms in English and French;

• Water restrictions education at public events including Community Garden and Farmer's Market;

• WaterSmart Ambassadors educated and assisted in reprogramming irrigation timers;

• Advertising water restrictions in print/radio/tv/website;

• Great Toilet Rebate;

• Landscape Award; and

• Increase in water rates.

Demand has a direct impact on existing water and waste water infrastructure as well as community planning. For example, due to our semi arid climate, Peak Day has been the primary indicator for the success of the water conservation program. A secondary indicator, Average Day Demand, has been used as a gauge on behaviour changes in our growing community, as a measure of the overall impact education has on reducing water waste, and a driver of future initiatives.

As a result of working collaboratively with community partners, Peak Day has been reduced from 53 ML/day (2003) to 39ML/d (2010). Average Day Demand dropped to 18.26 ML/d in 2010 from 23.07 ML/d (2003) despite population growth. Most importantly, to reach our water conservation goals, residents and visitors alike continue to enjoy our green and growing xeriscape city!

Water Restrictions - In effect May 1 to August 31

By being water wise you are doing your part for the environment and saving money on your water bill. Remember, when watering your lawn…Every drop counts!

The Stage 1 Water Restrictions state that landscaping on even-numbered street addresses can be irrigated on even numbered days of the month and vice versa for odd numbered street addresses. Please note: Recent amendment to the bylaw allows for mobile homes, in mobile home parks, to water according to unit number.

Bylaw 2005-02

 

Water Related Links:

www.obwb.ca - Okanagan Basin Water Board

www.bcwwa.org - BC Water and Waste Association

For More Information

For more information, please contact our Environmental Coordinator.

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