UBCM Government House in Victoria
The LEED Gold building incorporates an advanced rainwater management system that includes a green roof, a 16,000-litre cistern and rain garden that will filter and reuse nearly 100 percent of the site’s rainwater.
The Comox Valley Regional District has launched a pilot toilet rebate program as part of its plan to achieve a 27 percent reduction in water consumption by 2014.
The site may be used as a useful reference for businesses, residents and anyone else who is interested in knowing what Tofino is doing about water conservation.
Drawing on the experience of two international experts, workshops held in Vancouver and in Victoria in 2005 connected the dots between WHY harvest rainwater and HOW to cost-effectively implement rainwater collection, storage, treatment and delivery systems.
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Tofino has emerged as a case study of interest because the municipality faces the challenge of reducing water demand during a period of climate change.
Captured rainwater will either be routed to pervious surfaces or used for on-site irrigation. The program aims to reduce the polluted rainwater that goes into the ocean and help conserve the use of potable water.
Water demand in Tofino is following the same trends as it did in 2006 – the summer the town nearly shut down because of heavy demand, low precipitation and low supply.
The impact of real turf grass on Kelowna’s water utility is significant – 77% of the water used by residents in the summer months ends up on the lawn.
Tofino is presently under stage two (of a possible four) water use restrictions that includes a ban on any outdoor watering. Additionally, residents and businesses are asked not to consume any water between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
