Outdoor Water Use Tips

Water conservation is critical in the summer months in the City of Campbell River, but has benefits year-round too. Every step to conserve water has lasting effects on the environment, the City’s infrastructure and our community’s quality of life.

If you're looking for ways to be water wise outdoors, follow the tips below to use less water around your property and help reduce strain on the water system.

Lawn Care

The most important step in being water wise outdoors is to follow the current water restrictions.

Your lawn doesn't have to 'Go Brown' in order to conserve water. There are ways to conserve water while keeping your lawn healthy. However, an established lawn is able to go dormant during hot dry spells and come back quickly with a good rainfall.

Overwatering is the biggest mistake people make when taking care of their lawn. Avoid wasting water on your driveway, sidewalk or other non-landscaped areas. Taking time to set up your irrigation system correctly is an essential step in reducing your overall water consumption.

Another easy way to reduce the amount of water your lawn needs is to raise your lawnmower blade. The longer you leave your grass, the longer the roots will grow. This allows for better moisture retention and helps shade the soil, preventing it from drying out.

Other simple steps you can take to be more water wise in your lawn care include:

• using slow release or natural fertilizers for long-lasting benefits
• considering natural alternatives to pesticides, herbicides and insecticides.
• watering your lawn for only an hour a week
• increasing soil depth
• aerating your lawn to avoid soil compaction
• watering only in the morning or evening
• using only one inch of water per week

To measure your water use, place a rain gauge on your lawn. Call the Water Wise Hotline (250-203-2316) or email water.wise@campbellriver.ca for a free rain gauge.

Watering Systems

If set up correctly, watering systems can help you control your outdoor water use. To make the most of your watering system, follow these steps:

• Check for leaks: Routinely check and service your irrigation system, as well as all outdoor pipes, faucets, and hoses for leaks. It is especially important to check your system every spring, before you start watering again.
• Use an automatic sprinkler system with timers: This will help limit watering to optimal or permitted windows.
• Check water distribution: Use sprinklers that keep water close to the ground and distribute water uniformly. Ensure water is reaching green areas, instead of sidewalks, driveways, or other non-landscaped areas.
• Install a rain sensor: To ensure watering doesn’t happen while it’s raining.
• Control the flow: Use a hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle.

Remember, your watering system is subject to any watering restrictions.

Other Outdoor Water Savings

Beyond your lawn, there are many other outdoor areas where you can save water.

Garden Care

Plant drought tolerant, native plants. This minimizes the need for supplemental irrigation.

Pools

• Use a pool cover. This will help to reduce evaporation in the pool.
• Use a water-saving pool filter. Your choice of pool filter can impact water usage, which is especially important during drought conditions in summer months.

Collecting and Reusing Rainwater

• Practice grey water recycling. Collect and reuse water from activities such as dishwashing and washing foods for outdoor watering use.
• Install rain barrels. Water, diverted from roofs and gutters into a large storage tank or barrel, can be reused for activities like lawn or garden watering or washing vehicles. Rain barrels are available locally from most large hardware/household goods stores.

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