Mike Zbarsky (120p) – Comox Valley Regional District
Development activity and population growth is putting extreme pressure on regional water resources. A key message is that the Comox Valley needs to use less water for a number of reasons.
Conservation Corner – Fall 2009
Water For People is a non-profit international development organization that helps people in developing countries improve their quality of life.
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 report, H2Ontario: A Blueprint for A Comprehensive Water Conservation and Efficiency Strategy, is built on the broad vision of ‘No New Water Supplies’, meaning that the search for “new” water starts with saving water and the collective efforts to unleash the full potential of water conservation.
After a series of focus groups with Kelowna homeowners, it became apparent that there were three key reasons why residents used so much water: 1) poor soil conditions; 2) inefficient use of automatic irrigation systems; and 3) lack of education.
Here in Canada, the idea of using reclaimed water for drinking would be a hard sell, maybe an impossible sell. Even using reclaimed water for irrigation or other purposes where high quality water isn’t necessary is not widespread in this country. Why is that?
Xeriscape is simply a water conservation tool. The homeowner still has to learn how to irrigate for water efficiency. This experience demonstrates that using a tool without the knowledge and willingness to use it properly can actually be counterproductive.
When communicating with the public, we have to choose our words carefully. Use the ‘Kryptonite Factor’ to identify words and phrases that might be misunderstood. Terms we use within the industry may not resonate with the average person or, may turn them off entirely from what we hope to accomplish.
More than 40 actions and targets in a new government-wide plan will help all sectors, communities and British Columbians keep our water healthy and secure, now and in the future,
Living Water Smart is a blueprint for cultural, environmental, industrial, community and agricultural change that will help safeguard the province’s water resources into the future. Drawing on a variety of policy measures, including planning, regulatory change, education, and incentives like economic instruments and rewards, the plan commits to new actions and builds on existing efforts to protect and keep B.C.’s water healthy and secure.
