With hotter temperatures hitting the South Coast, Metro Vancouver has expanded its drinking water conservation campaign, We Love Water, by offering more helpful tips to support the region's long-term goal of reducing overall water demand.
Residents can visit WeLoveWater.ca, which provides information on how to use a little less water during the driest time of the year.
The updated campaign comes on the heels of the region's annual lawn watering regulations, in effect from May to October.
According to Metro it's during the summer months when the region's water use typically increases from around one billion to 1.5 billion litres per day, and residents are encouraged to "use a little less, and care a little more" by adopting water-saving habits around the house and in their lawn care routines.
"A golden lawn doesn't necessarily mean an unhealthy lawn," said Darrell Mussatto, chair of Metro Vancouver's utilities committee. "By planning ahead, and by following expert advice on the website, you can help preserve your lawn during the hot summer months. It will green up again quickly in the fall when the rain returns."
Lawns need as little as 2.5 cm of water per week to stay healthy and maintain a strong root system - equivalent to about one hour per week of rainfall or sprinkling. Watering early in the morning, before 9 a.m., also reduces the risk of evaporation and scorching from the sun.
Residents are also encouraged to get involved in "We Love Water Wednesdays" by sharing what they are doing to use less water this summer by using #WeLoveWater on social media channels. The best submissions will be showcased Wednesdays on Global BC's News Hour at 6 by meteorologist Kristi Gordon. Metro Vancouver will also be sponsoring weather updates, with additional reminders to conserve water triggered by dry stretches of weather.
"If every Metro Vancouver resident started using a little less water this summer we could all make a big difference when it comes to our most precious resource," added Metro Vancouver board chair Greg Moore. "Water conservation simply makes sense - it's the right thing to do, it's easy and it is an important part of region's environmental sustainability."
