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

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

Spring Lawn Care

Healthy lawns need more than water. Water use in the dry, hot summer months almost doubles from non-essential uses like outdoor watering. Use these spring lawn care tips for a thriving water wise lawn this summer. Learn more >>

• Aerate to allow water and nutrients to seep into the soil more easily
• Overseed with a drought tolerant alternative like micro clover
• Set lawn mower blade to a height of 5-6 cm and leave lawn clippings on the lawn
• Check your irrigation system for leaks
• Remove dead matted grass by de-thatching
• Apply a half-treatment of lime, if required

Benefits of Water Conservation

• Lower water and energy bills by reducing your metered usage.
• 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.
• Delay in building new water infrastructure that would be necessary to provide increased capacity if demand continues to rise.
• Release of reservoir water to enhance fish habitat in the Sooke River, Charters River and Goldstream River.
• Buffers against the unknown — With the effects of climate change, shorter, more intense rain events and longer, dry spells in the summer months are expected. Having as much water storage in the reservoir as possible provides the assurance that not only will there be a sufficient quantity of drinking water for the year, but provides the flexibility to deal with drought and forest fires.
• Enhanced drinking water quality by maintaining higher water levels in our primary drinking water supply, the Sooke Lake Reservoir.

Stage 1 of the Water Conservation Bylaw Watering Schedule is in effect May 1 through September 30. Find your designated days and times here.

Water-wise Home Habits

Garden with native plants. Learn how at an online introductory workshop on gardening with drought-resistant native plants.

For lawns, gold is the new green.

Clean sidewalks and driveways with a brush or broom instead of powerwashing.

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

Run full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine.

Resources

Determine your personal water use. Here in the capital region, residents use an average of 220 litres of water per person, per day. Use this water calculator to learn more.

Check out where water is used inside the home (PDF).

Learn more with water conservation fact sheets.