The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) has launched a water conservation campaign to encourage residents to turn off their taps more frequently as the weather warms.
The Comox Valley Water System used more than 10 billion litres of water in 2023, a record high, according to the district. Consumption almost triples during the summer when outdoor water use spikes due to lawn and garden watering.
Last summer, for example, daily water use sometimes exceeded well over 1,000 litres per person per day in the region, reads a news release Tuesday.
The local system serves about 50,000 people, with water drawn from an intake in Comox Lake. It then flows through a network of reservoirs, pumping stations, and transmission mains or pipes, according to information online.
BC Hydro posts reservoir levels on its website.
Kris La Rose, the CVRD senior manager of water and wastewater services, says education about water conservation is becoming “more and more crucial as climate change and climate adaption continue to challenge water supply and demand.”
Since May 1, the Comox Valley has been under Stage 1 water restrictions, meaning no watering on Mondays.
People living at even-numbered addresses are asked to water only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays between 5-8 a.m. and 7-10 p.m., while those living in odd-numbered addresses should water only on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays between the same hours.
If water restrictions change, a notice will be posted on the district’s website.
“As we continue to see reduced rain in the summer months and higher average temperatures, fresh water becomes an even more limited and precious resource. Water conservation is extremely important to protect supply for domestic use and emergency fire protection purposes,” added La Rose.
The district says there are “simple ways” to help reduce home and garden water consumption, including installing low-flow fixtures and drought-resistant landscaping. It’s also encouraging people to take advantage of available rebates.
Find more details online here.
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Ethan Morneau
