Greater Vernon Water → Water Conservation

Water Conservation

It's easy to take water for granted, especially in an area surrounded by lakes.  But our supply of water is not endless.  We must conserve now to ensure sufficient water availability for future generations, minimize the costs of water treatment, and protect wildlife habitat.

We can be proud of the actions our community has already taken to conserve water. Continuing development of the use of reclaimed water to replace fresh water irrigation is another major step towards water conservation and environmental protection.

Make Water Work!

Learn more ways to use water efficiently by visiting www.okwaterwise.ca and do a Performance Review on your water.

Metering

In conjunction with increasing block rates for water consumption, metering provides residents with an incentive for water conservation, and allows both the customer and the utility to better understand exactly how much water we use. Using our water wisely helps us protect our environment and reduces the amount of water and wastewater that we need to treat.

Mandatory metering for all residential customers in Greater Vernon was implemented in 2005.   All agricultural customers are also required to install meters for irrigation water. Agricultural customers with outside water services (standpipes) who do not have BC Assessment Authority’s “Farm Classification” must install a water meter prior to Spring turn-on.  For more information, see Agricultural Customers.

Saving Water Indoors

Not all leaks leave a puddle on the floor. The sneaky leaks manage to drain away without ever leaving a sign.  Be sure to check for these common culprits:

  • Leaking toilets are the most widespread leak. This sometimes happens when the reservoir level is too high. The water leaks into the overflow tube, and into the toilet bowl. You may be able to fix this by adjusting the float arm screw, or bending the float arm down. Also when the flapper valves get old and brittle, and don't close properly, or the flapper valve is not filling the hole properly a toilet will leak. To diagnose this problem, pour two or three drops of red food colouring into the tank. If you notice the dye in the bowl 15 minutes later, you have a leak. A new flapper valve may be required.
     
  • Automatic water purifiers, reverse osmosis devices, or water softeners can also develop leaks that do not show up on the floor. Each of these devices should have their own shut off valve. If your snoop indicator is turning, turn off each of the suspected appliances one by one. If the snoop indicator stops when one of the isolation valves is off, you've found your leak.

Indoor Water Saving Tips & Tools:

More information:

Saving Water Outdoors

Did you know that domestic outdoor use accounts for 24% of all water used in the Okanagan?  Most of this water is used on lawns and gardens.  With just a few simple changes, you can make a big difference in the amount of water you use outdoors.  Install efficient irrigation and add mulch in your flower and shrub beds to prevent water loss.  Water in the cool of the evening to make every drop count.  

Stage 1 Restrictions (580Kb) are in effect at all times in Greater Vernon, which means that lawn and garden sprinkling is not allowed between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. The best time to water your lawn or garden is during the coolest time, which is between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.  Other tips include washing your vehicle at the carwash or on your lawn, and covering your swimming pool when not in use.


Outdoor Water Saving Tips & Tools:


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