CRD Parks & Environmental Services encourages the wise and efficient use of our regional drinking water through education, technology, policy measures and research.

Greater Victoria enjoys some of the highest quality drinking water in the world at a reasonable cost - maintaining this critical resource requires each of us to be make water wise choices each and every day.

Benefits of Water Efficiency

• Lower water and energy bills by reducing your metered usage.
• Enhanced drinking water quality by maintaining higher water levels in our primary drinking water supply, the Sooke Lake Reservoir.
• Reduced environmental impact by deferring the need to supply water from new sources and by reducing the energy and materials required to treat and deliver water.

Quick Tips for a Water-wise Home

Even as the winter rains replenish our reservoir, it is important to practice being water-wise to ensure our regional water supply is prepared for the increased water demand during hot and dry summer months. Making these small changes can lead to big savings!

In the Kitchen

• Run full loads of dishes in your dishwasher. Washing by hand can use more water than a fully loaded dishwasher.
• Scrape dishes of food waste into your organics tote instead of rinsing them under running water.
• When washing dishes by hand, do not wash or rinse with running water. Use tubs or plug the sink.
• Compost kitchen waste (organic matter) instead of using a garburator. Garburators consume hundreds of litres of water each week.
• Rinse fruit and vegetables in a pan instead of running water continuously and use the water for indoor and outdoor plant watering.
• Keep drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap for cold water.
• When preparing vegetables by boiling or steaming, save the water and use as broth or a base in other recipes such as gravies and soups.
• Remember, clean water begins at home, so what you put down the drain matters!

In the Bathroom

Test your toilet for a leak and repair or replace it if necessary. Take time to check other fixtures and appliances for leaks as needed.

Practice water-wise behaviours while hosting by reminding your guests to:

• Strive for five minute showers
• Turn off the tap when brushing teeth, washing hands, and while shaving
• Avoid flushing non-flushable items

In the Laundry Room

Run full loads of clothes in your washing machine. Our regions soft water means you can use half the suds to wash your duds.

Water-wise Home Habits

Determine your personal water use. Here in the capital region, we use an average of 232 litres of water per person, per day. Use this water calculator to learn more.

Garden with native plants.

Let your lawn Go Golden and be Water wise outside.

Repair or replace aging and inefficient appliances and fixtures with more efficient models.

Take a peek for household leaks. Learn how to regularly look for leaks.

Run full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine.

Watering Schedule

Stage 1 of the Water Conservation Bylaw is in effect May 1 through September 30 each and every year.

Not sure if you can water? Learn more about our bylaw details and schedules.

Resources

How much water do you use? Try this quick and easy water calculator to learn how Waterwise your home is.

• Residential Indoor Water Use (PDF)

Learn More

• Workshops
• Fact Sheets