Submitted by: CRD Environmental Services - July 2021
5 Ways To Save Water This Summer
Live Green in Your Yard and Garden
The summer heat is around the corner. Keep your yard and garden thriving while protecting our valuable resource by using water wisely this summer! Though at times it may feel like we live in a rainforest with endless amounts of rain, the capital region lies in a Northern Mediterranean climate with warm, wet winters but hot, dry summers. The winter months bring the rain, filling up the Sooke Lake Reservoir for use over the entire year.
In summer months, water demand almost doubles, primarily from non-essential uses like outdoor watering. With a changing climate, longer dry spells in the summer are expected, meaning our winter water will need to last for longer. By conserving water outdoors, we can help make sure there is enough available to meet drinking water demand, for fire protection and to support fish and ecosystems, through the dry, hot months.
For the most water savings, limit your lawn area by using native plants which don’t need watering once established and let your lawn go golden. Lawns naturally go dormant in the summer months and will return to green with the fall rains. If you choose to water, use these easy water wise tips:
Check your watering system for leaks and breaks. Repair leaks quickly yourself with the help of the CRD’s Irrigation Maintenance Video Series or hire an Irrigation Industry Association of BC certified contractor.
Add mulch around your plants as it reduces evaporation, keeps soil cool, reduces weeds and adds nutrients back into the soil. For lawns, leave grass clippings to act as a mini-mulch.
Use micro/drip irrigation systems for watering trees, shrubs, and flower or vegetable beds. These systems deliver water at a low pressure and volume directly to the roots where plants take water in.
Adjust your watering for the current weather conditions and the designated days and times as laid out in the Capital Regional District’s Stage 1 Watering Schedule. Green lawns need a maximum of one inch (2.5 cm) of water per week in the driest conditions. If it rains, skip watering until the following week.
Practice the cycle and soak method, water in short cycles with time in-between to allow water to soak in, and reduce water waste. This mimics rainfall and helps keep plants happy.
Thank you to all residents in the capital region for using water wisely! For more tips, visit www.crd.bc.ca/water.
