For many of us, summer means hot weather, vacations, and time spent outdoors. Unfortunately, it also means higher water bills as we try to keep our homes and gardens cool and hydrated. In many homes in Victoria, BC, water usage can increase by as much as 40% during the summer months. This is such a high spike that it can cause a huge dent in your budget if you’re not careful. In this blog, we will look at water conservation in Victoria BC, and provide tips to help you conserve water and lower your summer water bill.
Water Conservation in Victoria, BC
Water conservation has always been a big issue in British Columbia. With its large population and limited resources, the province has been struggling to find ways to reduce water usage for many years. In recent years, the problem has become even more acute as the effects of climate change have begun to be felt. As a result, the Capital Regional District (CRD) has introduced several initiatives to encourage people to conserve water.
Some of these initiatives include:
- Making it mandatory for all new homes and buildings to be fitted with water-efficient fixtures.
- Encouraging homeowners to upgrade to water-efficient appliances. Providing free water-saving devices to households.
- Implementing water restrictions during periods of high-water use.
- Educating the public on water conservation.
The CRD reports that water usage in the summer months increases by 44%, owing to non-essential outdoor use such as garden watering. Therefore, it has been at the forefront of ensuring that its residents are well-educated on water conservation and have access to the resources they need to reduce their water usage. Currently, the stage 1 watering schedule is in effect as it runs from 1st May to 30th September. All this with one aim- water conservation.
Tips on How You Can Conserve Water This Summer
Now that we’ve looked at some of the initiatives being taken to encourage water conservation in Victoria, BC, let’s look at some specific things you can do to conserve water this summer.
- Water Your Plants During the Cooler Hours of the Day
When do you water your plants? If you’re watering them during the heat of the day, you’re losing a lot of water to evaporation. The best time to water your plants is in the early morning or evening when it’s cooler. You’ll be surprised at how much water you can save just by changing when you water your plants. In addition, make sure to direct the water towards the roots of the plants, rather than onto the foliage as a lot of water evaporates when leaves are watered.
- Check for Leaks
Leaks are one of the most common plumbing issues that many homeowners face. The most common household leak is a running toilet, the result of a leaking toilet flapper in the toilet’s water tank. A running toilet can cost hundreds of dollars per year in excess water usage. Some other leading causes of leaks include faulty fixtures, pipes that have become loose over time, and wear and tear. A small leak can waste a lot of water, so it’s important to check all your faucets and pipes for leaks regularly. A good way to check for them is to read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no one is using any water in your home. If the reading has changed, you may have a leak. In such cases, calling HomeWise Plumbing may be the best option as we will be able to identify the issue and fix it fast.
- Shorten Your Shower Time
We all love a long, hot shower, but we ought to do our best to cut down on water consumption. If you’re trying to conserve water, try to shorten your shower time. If you were used to showering for 20 minutes, it would be helpful to reduce that time by 5 minutes. You can also save money by installing a low-flow shower head (this will be standard in any home built in the last 20 years or so).
- Run Full Loads in the Dishwasher and Washing Machine
Smart homes are becoming more and more popular because they help save water and energy. Dishwashers and washing machines are very efficient when they are full. When you run a partial load in your dishwasher or washing machine, you’re using just as much water as you would for a full load.
While sometimes you may want to clear the small load, you have lying around; it’s important to run your dishwasher and washing machine when they are full. You can save a lot of water by doing this.
- Turn off the Tap
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to forget to turn off the tap when you’re brushing your teeth, washing your hands, or even shaving. More often than not, while we are busy doing other things, the water keeps running without us noticing. A good way to remind yourself to turn off the tap is to think about how much water you’re wasting when you leave it running. One gallon of water per minute is a lot of water wasted, so make sure to turn off the tap when you’re not using it.
- Replace Outdated and Inefficient Water Fixtures
If you still have the same old toilet, shower head, and kitchen sink fixtures, it’s probably time for an upgrade. Toilets before the early 90s used four times more water than today’s toilets. Newer models are much more water-efficient than older ones. Replacing your old fixtures with new more efficient ones can help you save a lot of water.
- Educate Yourself and Others About Water Conservation
The best way to encourage water conservation is to educate yourself and others about it. Many people are not aware of how much water they use daily or the things they can do to conserve water. By spreading awareness, you can help make a difference. Ensure that all your family members are aware of the benefits of water conservation. This way, you can all work towards saving water.
Bottom Line
Water conservation is important because it helps preserve this essential resource. Summer is the perfect time to start conserving water. By following these tips, you can do your part in conserving water. If you are experiencing any leaks or plumbing issues, contact us for assistance. We will fix the issue and suggest ways that you can conserve water.