BC

The Province will provide local governments across B.C. with up to $2 million in funding as part of the Provincial Drought Action Plan, Bill Barisoff, Minister of Water, Land and Air Protection and George Abbott, Minister Responsible for Land and Water BC, announced yesterday.

The funding, along with a comprehensive handbook, Dealing with Drought, will be available to communities with stressed water supplies and those that need to complete water conservation or drought management plans, Barisoff said during an Open Cabinet presentation in Victoria today.

"The forecast suggests that we're in for another hot and dry summer," said Barisoff. "Last year a number of our communities experienced water shortages and we want to make sure they have the tools and the resources they need, this summer and beyond, if these conditions persist."

"Our government is working in partnership with local governments to ensure a safe and clean supply of drinking water,"said George Abbott. "We've put an action plan in place to make sure that happens."

As part of its Drought Action Plan, the Province is encouraging British Columbians to do what they can to help conserve water resources. The average British Columbian uses 490 litres of water per day, far higher than the national average of 340 litres, and there are a number of simple steps the public can take to assist with reducing water consumption.

The $2 million in planning funds for communities is being provided as a result of a provincial survey of local water suppliers carried out last fall. The survey found that approximately 25 per cent of water supply systems were stressed last year and two thirds brought in water restrictions to ensure continued supply. Of those surveyed, 63 per cent had a viable water supply plan, 57 per cent had a water conservation plan and 23 per cent had a long-term drought management plan.

"The funding we're providing is designed to ensure that as many communities as possible have prepared water management plans and are prepared for the summer ahead," said Barisoff. "Supporting local governments is a fundamental part of our plan, given their key roles as water managers, their familiarity with community water supplies and their ability to put in place water restrictions."

Land and Water BC Inc., the government corporation responsible for water allocation, will provide the funding and the handbook in mid-June. The handbook will include templates for a number of drought-related plans as well as model bylaws. LWBC will also be visiting with local councils and providing workshops on how to properly prepare for a potential water shortage.


WATER CONSERVATION TIPS
The average British Columbian uses 490 litres of water per day, far higher than the national average of 340 litres, and there are a number of simple steps the public can take to assist with reducing water consumption.

BATHROOM WATER TIPS

Turn off the tap when you brush your teeth or shave. This could save seven to 12 litres of water a minute.

Take shorter showers and save six to 19 litres a minutes.

Install a low-flow showerhead and save as much as 10 litres a minute.

Consider installing a new low-volume toilet that uses only six litres per flush. Toilets account for as much as 40 per cent of indoor water use, and older toilets use up to 30 litres per flush. Or retrofit your toilets with water-saving devices such as placing a brick in the water tank.

Don't use your toilet as a wastebasket.

Toilets are notorious for hidden leaks and can waste hundreds of litres of water a day. Check worn parts to see which ones need replacing, and use food colouring in the water tank to see if water is leaking into the toilet bowl.

KITCHEN AND LAUNDRY ROOM WATER TIPS

Do only full loads in washing machines and dishwashers, or do dishes by
hand. Each machine load uses from 170 to 190 litres.

Wash vegetables and fruit in a pan instead of under a running tap, and use the water left in the pan to water houseplants or your garden. A tap uses seven to 12 litres each minute it's running.

Instead of running a tap to get cool water, keep a jug of water in the
fridge.

Change tap washers to help stop dripping. Dripping taps can waste as much as 300 litres a week.

IN THE GARDEN

Water the lawn only when needed: Step on the grass if it springs back up when you move your foot, it does not need water.

Don't water the pavement: Position sprinklers so that water lands on the
lawn or garden, not in areas where it is not needed. Also avoid watering
when it is windy. Wind causes water to evaporate quickly and blows water
onto areas where it is not needed.

Water without waste: Interrupt watering when puddles or runoff occur. This allows the water to penetrate into the soil before resuming irrigation.

Plant drought-resistant trees and plants: Landscape with plants that
require less water. Rocks, gravel, benches and deck areas can all be used to
creatively decorate the yard.

Put a layer of mulch around trees & plants: Using a layer of mulch around plants reduces evaporation and promotes plant growth. Water-retaining basins also allow water to be concentrated around the plants.

Consider drip irrigation systems around trees and shrubs: Drip systems
permit water to flow slowly to roots, cut down evaporation and encourage
strong root systems.

Mow as infrequently as possible: Mowing puts the grass under additional
stress that requires more water. Aerate your lawn to allow better absorption
of water.

Mow higher than normal: Longer leaf surfaces promote deeper rooting and
shade the root zone. Never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade in one
mowing. Return mulched clippings to the lawn.

Use a broom to clean pavement: Sweeping the driveway and sidewalk will get them clean enough without wasting gallons of water.

Don't run water while washing the car: Get the car wet, then turn off the water while you soap the car down using a bucket of soapy water. Drive your car onto a lawn to wash it. Rinse water can help the grass.

Don't use the sprinklers just for play: Running through water from a hose or sprinkler is fun but wastes gallons of water.

Check for leaks in pipes and hoses: All leaks cause water to be wasted.
Repair or replace any equipment leaking water.

Cover your swimming pool: Covering a swimming pool will help reduce
evaporation. An average-sized pool can use nearly 4,000 litres of water a
month if left uncovered. A pool cover can cut the loss by up to 90 per cent.

Keep lawn free of weeds: Weeds are water thieves and will rob your plants of water and nutrients.

Accept a less-than-lush lawn: Grass will naturally go dormant during
periods of drought, but will readily regenerate when water becomes
available.

Match fertilizer to the plant requirement: Fertilizer applications require additional water. Excess fertilizer stimulates top growth, often to the detriment of the root system.

Use shut-off nozzles on hoses: Shut-off nozzles completely turn off the
water when you are not using it.

Catch rainwater: Capture rainwater off the roof for use in your garden.