Private well owners should consider installing equipment to monitor water levels, so water use can be adjusted before the well runs dry. Aquifer water levels can also be tracked in nearby monitoring wells on the BC Groundwater Level Map.
Care for your trees. Trees on or near your property (even if not your own) provide cooling and shade. Consider using recycled water to water trees near your home or business, and report trees in distress to your local government or First Nation.
Take shorter showers; turn the tap off while lathering and save your “warm-up” water for toilet flushing or outdoor use.
Turn off the tap while washing dishes, brushing teeth or shaving.
Run dishwashers and laundry machines only when full. Launder less by wearing clothes more than once and choosing shorter wash cycles. Upgrade to a high-efficiency washer.
Keep a jug of water in the fridge so you don’t have to run the tap to get it cold.
Check your home for leaks, indoors and outdoors.
Install low-flow faucets and toilets; install an aerator on faucets to maintain pressure.
Opt for a brown lawn or try “xeriscaping” – gardening that reduces or eliminates the need for watering. Collect and reuse indoor water for outdoor plants. Mulch plants to retain water. Water in the evening or early morning, if necessary. Upgrade your irrigation to a more water-efficient design, such as drip irrigation.
Sweep outdoor spaces rather than using the hose.
Consider investing in rain barrels or rainwater cisterns to store rain for non-potable use in the summer.
Limit the washing of cars, boats, RVs and other vehicles.
Tips for your workplace
Follow water restrictions and water-use rules from your local or regional government or water utility provider.
Consider a water use audit for the facility to understand how to maximize efficiency.
Update water infrastructure to allow you to monitor water usage (e.g., install a water meter).
Recycle water used in industrial operations when safe to do so.
Use water-efficient methods and equipment.
Check all plumbing for leaks.
Plan your landscaping to require minimal water – plant native vegetation or try “xeriscaping,” which is gardening that reduces or eliminates the need for watering.
Consider installing low-flow toilets and other more efficient plumbing fixtures.
Post signage with reminders and tips for water conservation.
Drought preparedness for drinking water operators
Island Health has collected data on drought impacts since 2015 and is using this information to support drinking water systems operators in their response to drought. The reduction or loss of water is a public health and safety concern, as minimum amounts of water are needed daily for domestic use (e.g., consumption, food preparation, sanitation), firefighting demands and ongoing business continuity. It is prudent that all water suppliers take water conservation measures, and plan for the reduction or loss of water supply.
Year-round water conservation measures will support a change in mindset for users and increase the water supply system’s resiliency. There are many ways to promote water conservation:
Engage proactively with the community to share what the provider is doing to conserve water, and ways in which the community can do their part.
Monitor water use for overall system and individual water users, and share the information with users.
Implement seasonal watering restriction plans.
Enact water conservation bylaws.
Create and administer a Leak Detection and Repair plan.
Maintain infrastructure to prevent failure resulting in loss of water (asset management).
Seek out additional water conservation resources, including:
To safeguard Island Health communities’ access to water, all water suppliers are now required include drought as a part of their Emergency Response and Contingency Plan (ERCP).
Since joining Island Health, Kobby has been collaborating on projects like a fuel spill, groundwater contamination and an industrial fire. Coming from consulting, working for private companies in gold mining and oil and gas, he’s excited to put his knowledge and experience to use for the public good.
Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a heat warning several regions in Island Health. A strong ridge of high pressure will remain over southern B.C. through Wednesday.
In December 2012, Dr. Paivi Abernethy had an epiphany. As part of her PhD research, she was conducting interviews with various specialists about the fallout from torrential rain in Mid-Wales during the past summer. As a result of the deluge, tailings from historic silver mines overflowed and ran downhill; the concentration of lead resulted in the death of cattle. There were also serious concerns among locals about toxicity in community gardens.
