Outdoor Water Conservation
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Submitted by WaterSmart on Tue, 31/05/2011 - 8:09am.
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Posts: 3
Joined: 26-05-2011 |
My name is Claire McFee and I work with the City of Fernie as the Water Smart Ambassador to the public. Throughout the summer I will be conducting voluntary outdoor irrigation system assessments for both residential and commercial buildings. Fernie is one of 22 communities that have signed the Water Smart Charter demonstrating their commitment to work with the Columbia Basin Trust and reduce our entire basin usage by 20 percent. The City of Fernie has also set a reduction target of 20 percent for itself by 2015. Our baseline consumption was 4,053 ML (4,053,000,000 L), by cutting back our consumption by 20 percent that would save us 810.6 ML (810,600,000 L)! Everyone can do their part, an average manual sprinkler system uses approximately 4 gallons (15 L) per minute. By cutting back your watering by even 5 minutes each time you water you could be saving up to 75 L! For more information or to schedule an appointment call 423-6817 or watersmart@fernie.ca |
Joined: 23-03-2007
I don't question that there are people who abuse and waste our water supply, but I hope we don't get carried away with this like what seems to happen with all these other "green" initiatives. ie: a herbicide ban that is going to turn the entire town into a dandelion infested mess like you see around the aquatic center and hospital. But I do agree that there is no need for overwatering, and I know that a lot of people do. What really gets me are people I see spending an hour every day hosing off the street and sidewalk around their homes. No need for that BS. So crack down on the few who abuse, don't make a silly, all encompassing new bylaw for everybody. Let's not have this lead to watering bans and metering. It's not necessary here.
Joined: 30-03-2008
we should be metered.
every new home, reno and title transfer should be required to install a meter before they get a cert of occupancy so when we do switch to meters it is cheaper and pretty much done.
water is not free and endless in supply.
Joined: 28-10-2009
I do agree it is a very important issue I just think that it may be a potential uphill battle to really get the full public attention and cooperation. When for six months or more the average citizen is concerned about removing the excess water from their property, followed by a month or so of rain instead of snow. This of course, does not mean that during the summer months proper water management is not a valuable concern but simply a realization that upon the list of priorities, not amongst the highest concern. As regards to bylaws, regulation, meters .... heck, why not make it a public concern to be monitored, controlled and taxed. Would fit right in the standard operating procedure of the governing council.
Joined: 26-05-2011
Hi again!
Thanks for all your interest in the Water Smart Program and water conseration in Fernie. I thought I would post a few interesting facts to get us all thinking about water conservation!
- Did you know a cup of coffee takes 150 litres of water produce, hanburgers 2,500 litres and a new pair of jeans over 11,000 litres
- Drought tolerant plants can reduce water use by up to 80%
- Get in the Zone! Plan your landscape to minimize water use, identify 'hydrozones' in your yard and choose plants with compatible water needs.
- Dress your lawn for the summer! Improve your soil by aerating and top dressing you lawn, take care of your soil and it will take care of your lawn!
- Try cleaning your driveway with a broom and not your hose!
To book an appointment or if you have any questions about watering, your sprinkler systems, or general water conservation information give me a call!
250.430.1768 or email watersmart@fernie.ca
Joined: 19-06-2011
I think this is a great program, and great idea - but I've just noticed that the City of Fernie lawn sprinklers are on at the moment - we had a huge downpour this morning which has just stopped, and rain for the last couple of days - shouldn't these be shut off? Also, one of them is not set properly and looked to be spending half the time watering the sidewalk. Hopefully the City can sort this out
Joined: 30-03-2008
here's another idea.
take the golf course off the city water system and have them pull their irrigation water from the water hazards instead of fairy creek.
that would increase the city water supply.
Joined: 26-05-2011
Thanks again for the comments and the support for water conservation in Fernie.
A new sprinkler system is being installed in front of City Hall and part of this process requires water to be run through the whole system to flush out the air in the lines. This is only the start up of the system, when/if summer does come all the City systems will comply with the water restrictions just like everyone else.
Thanks for the comments and keep them comiing!