District urges water conservation as restrictions go into effect

District of Squamish Stage 1 water restrictions go into effect Tuesday, May 1, and the district says it’s an important reminder to practice responsible water use for a hot, dry weather ahead.

By adhering to the various stages of water restrictions, residents can help the district stay on track to maintain the existing water services.

During Stage 1, lawn watering with a sprinkler is permitted two days per week from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“Our fresh drinking water is some of the finest in the region, and by conserving it, we can continue to ensure our water source is protected and cared for through the decades to come,” says District of Squamish Mayor Patricia Heintzman.

“We can all do our part to responsibly manage our supply, especially during the hot summer months when our peak demand approaches our pumping capacity.”

Water consumption soars within the summer’s hot dry months – 70 per cent higher in 2017, putting added pressure on water infrastructure and fire flow capabilities.

The district’s Water Conservation Plan aims to reduce water consumption per capita by 15 per cent by 2031. That, the district says, will be achieved if residents take small steps to reduce their daily consumption. That could mean one less toilet flush per day, 30 seconds less in the shower, or practicing restrained outdoor summer water use.

The district is offering these tips so residents can easily do their part in reducing water consumption:

• Water deeply, but less frequently: An established lawn needs only 2.5 cm of water per week. How much is enough? Place an upside-down Frisbee or empty tuna can on your lawn when watering. Stop watering when the Frisbee is full or there is 2.5 cm of water in the tuna can.
• Let your lawn go brown and dormant in the summer months: Try watering just once a month in July and August. A healthy lawn will green up again as rainfall resumes in the fall.
• Adjust sprinkler heads to water greenery, not the driveway or sidewalk.
• Invest in a timer and set it to your allowed watering days and times.
• Invest in a rain sensor for your in-ground irrigation system. If it rains, the irrigation will automatically turn off.
• Make every drop count. Watering early or late in the day reduces evaporation.
• Build your soil with compost and mulch, and choose low water use plants.
• Collect rain water in a rain barrel for use in your flower garden.