Ian Tostenson is urging his membership to take a leadership role in the fight to conserve water in Metro Vancouver. “They want to do the right thing. The public expects us to be doing it. And in a way, it’s good for business, because people like to support businesses that show a community-minded side. I think it’s a good message to see our industry taking these steps,” he said.
While public education and water restrictions help to conserve water, dramatic reductions can be achieved through water pricing. The City of Nanaimo employs water pricing that places the entire cost of water delivery on users without any subsidy from property tax. “That has had a huge impact. As (capital) costs have gone up, we’ve turned the water rates up and people have responded by turning their hoses off,” reported Bill Sims.
“The community’s water conservation efforts during this period of drought have been remarkable. Water use has decreased by approximately 40% since going to Stage 3.Unfortunately, this unprecedented hot and dry weather has resulted in drier conditions within the watershed, which is causing our available water supply to deplete more rapidly as time goes on,” stated Bryan Shoji.
When Stage 3 water restrictions were implemented by Metro Vancouver in July 2015, washing of vehicles was one of the activities that went from restricted to prohibited, unless it’s done at a commercial car wash. “Car dealers tend to be pretty good community supporters. It’s part of their DNA and with the current water situation they want to do their part,” notes Blair Qualey, President of the New Car Dealers Association of B.C.
Green streets will be critical to satisfy a Los Angeles mandate to cut its use of imported water by half by 2024. When it rains, stormwater runoff flowing from a 124-acre drainage area through the project site will be captured and infiltrated to replenish the San Fernando Groundwater Basin. “We will achieve the water requirements we have to have to ensure water quality and storm runoff is at the highest standard,” said Enrique Zaldivar, director of L.A. Sanitation.
“A Water Conservation Strategy for British Columbia” was developed by a working group chaired by Prad Khare. The Strategy will contribute to a sustained and healthy resource and provide a common framework for water management activities throughout the province by advancing water as a valuable resource which must be utilized efficiently, wisely and cost-effectively to sustain a high quality of social, environmental and economic well-being, for now and in the future.
In July 2015 Metro Vancouver moved to Stage 3 water restrictions – banning all lawn sprinkling with treated drinking water and bringing in a number of other water conservation measures. “We need to reduce our discretionary use of water including lawn sprinkling and washing cars,” said Board Chair Greg Moore. “Our reservoir levels need to be maintained for priority needs in our homes and businesses, and for community needs like fire protection.”
“The ‘new normal’ in British Columbia is drought and flooding. The summer dry season has extended on both ends and communities can no longer count on a predictable snowpack and reliable rain to maintain a healthy water balance in their watersheds. This is putting water supply systems and ecosystems under extreme stress. If we seize the moment, we will change how we do business and the cumulative benefits will ripple through time,” stated Kim Stephens.
“Poster content was developed by water experts for specific communities in close collaboration with community representatives and educators through an iterative process of face-to-face discussion and focus groups. As a result, Waterscape posters reflect water issues that are most relevant to the local community, and have a sound scientific and technical underpinning,” stated Bob Turner.
“The lessons learned by Basin communities are relevant to any community trying to reduce peak demand driven by irrigation. To measurably reduce irrigation demand through residential water conservation outreach, you need a strong tool kit that includes good data and great personalities who are meeting people right at their homes and places of work,” said Neal Klassen.
