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Water Conservation Tips

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

  • As of May 1, lawn wat​ering is banned for residential and non-residential properties. ​See full restrictions.
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​​Our reservoirs are filled every winter and spring by precipitation and snowmelt. This stored water needs to last through the hot, dry summer months and into the fall. From washing the car to shorter showers, the following tips help reduce use of treated drinking water around the home during any season.​​​

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    Re-use water glassesRe-use water glasses<div class="ExternalClass86299AEA76DC44F88A181C2D1688A76B"><p>​​Using fewer dishes throughout the day means fewer dishes to wash. Re-use water glasses and double-up on dishes used for preparing meals.​<br></p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/favorite-glass.jpg, Water glass https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/favorite-glass.jpg
    Know your dishwasher settingsKnow your dishwasher settings<div class="ExternalClassEACB13B9B38349A88420E742D9BFC22F"><p>Dishwasher settings such as 'eco' or 'quick wash' work just fine for most loads and use less water. Settings like 'heavy wash' use more water.<br></p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/dishwasher-setting.jpg, dishwasher settings https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/dishwasher-setting.jpg
    Hand wash large pots and bowlsHand wash large pots and bowls<div class="ExternalClass4DD247D4970A455B9AA6882AF37BE407"><p><strong>Hand wash</strong> large pots and bowls to free up space for a full load in the dishwasher.<br></p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/handwash-pot.jpg, Hand wash large pots and bowls https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/handwash-pot.jpg
    Pre-rinsing dishes isn't necessary Pre-rinsing dishes isn't necessary <div class="ExternalClassCD101AD62A8049739993582416B7B1EF"><p><strong>Pre-rinsing dishes isn't necessary</strong>​ with today's dishwashers, and uses a lot of water. Just wipe remaining food into the compost.</p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/dishwasher-use.jpg, Pre-rinsing dishes https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/dishwasher-use.jpg
    Defrost food overnightDefrost food overnight<div class="ExternalClassC3368CE2A3254D2F90F0CFAD981ECE8E"><p><strong>Defrost food overnight</strong>​ in the fridge instead of thawing it under running water that ends up down the drain.</p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/frozen-food.jpg, Frozen Food https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/frozen-food.jpg
    Food grinders require clean water Food grinders require clean water <div class="ExternalClass757CE97D9BCD40E6841EA2660945540A"><p>Kitchen sink <strong>​food grinders require clean water</strong> to flush food scraps down the drain. Instead, compost your food scraps to be used in landscaping.</p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/compost.jpg, Food grinder https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/compost.jpg
    Keep drinking water in the fridge Keep drinking water in the fridge <div class="ExternalClass20155D728D994B13AEE2533C8BF03D5C"><p>Keep a pitcher of <strong>​drinking water in the fridge</strong> instead of running the tap until the water cools.</p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/pitcher.jpg, Pitcher of water https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/pitcher.jpg
    Run full load in the dishwasherRun full load in the dishwasher<div class="ExternalClassAB253A840A924BFDBA7B4F8443D1C81E"><p><strong>Running full loads in the dishwasher</strong>​ uses less water than handwashing. The average cycle uses 23 litres of water no matter how many dishes are inside, so wait until you have a full load to run.</p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/dishwasher.jpg, Dishwasher load https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/dishwasher.jpg
    Save water from rinsing Save water from rinsing <div class="ExternalClass9094175AEC9B47628BE27D6B92BF5080"><p>Save the water from <strong>​rinsing fruit and vegetables</strong> and use to water house or garden plants.</p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/rinse-fruit.jpg, Rinse fruit https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/rinse-fruit.jpg
    Don’t let the water run Don’t let the water run <div class="ExternalClassC6146C4937054A938CEAA2B5820D628B"><p><strong>Don’t let the water run</strong>​ when washing dishes in the sink. Fill one side with water for washing and another for rinsing.</p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/dishwashing.jpg, Dishwashing water https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/dishwashing.jpg

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    Reduce shower timesReduce shower times<div class="ExternalClass37CF8F8495D94EFF9A033B52CB234873"><p><strong>Reducing your shower</strong>​ by two minutes can save 460 litres of water in one month.</p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/shower.jpg, Shower https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/shower.jpg
    Turn off the tapTurn off the tap<div class="ExternalClass72645DE8EE0146DB9879B6A6B99A6364"><p><strong>Turn off the tap</strong>​ when brushing teeth. It can save close to 700 litres of drinking water a month.</p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/brushing.jpg, Brushing https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/brushing.jpg
    Fill the sinkFill the sink<div class="ExternalClass7EA7AC1F38FD4740863E30F6FD0A58ED"><p>Turn off the tap when shaving. <strong>Fill the sink</strong> with a few inches of warm water <strong>​to rinse your razor</strong> - it works just as well as running the tap and uses less water.</p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/shaving.jpg, Shaving https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/shaving.jpg
    Plug the tubPlug the tub<div class="ExternalClass97782FE4F62042CDBA82207419454F3D"><p>Plug the tub, then turn on the water when running a bath, and adjust the temperature as the tub fills.</p>​<br></div>https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/plug-tub.jpg, Plug Tub https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/plug-tub.jpg
    Buy a dual-flush toiletBuy a dual-flush toilet<div class="ExternalClassC5819DFD82004BBC8FF4F52C6B0FD7EC"><p>Consider <strong>​buying a dual-flush toilet</strong> which gives the option of a water-saving half flush.</p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/dual-flush.jpg, Dual Flush Toilet https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/dual-flush.jpg
    Test for a leaking toiletTest for a leaking toilet<div class="ExternalClass0D4EE3600B3A4EA491DBC155C138A19E"><p>Use food colouring to <strong>​test for a leaking toilet</strong>. Drop a teaspoon of food colouring into your toilet tank and if the colour appears in the bowl after 15 minutes, you've got a leak. Many leaks can be fixed by replacing the worn-out flapper valve.</p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/toilet-leak.jpg, Leaking Toilet https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/toilet-leak.jpg

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    Normal wash settingNormal wash setting<div class="ExternalClass6D0C10CE344A45C581236F108DEA5E20"><p>A <strong>​normal wash setting</strong> is often enough to get our clothes clean. Permanent press, heavy-duty soil settings and extra-rinse cycles use more water. Select the shortest laundry cycle setting for items that are only lightly soiled.</p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/less-laundry.jpg, Less Laundry https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/less-laundry.jpg
    Fill, don't jamFill, don't jam<div class="ExternalClassA5D473B927E349E08160C44AE01F5EB7"><p><strong>Fill</strong> the washer, but <strong>​don't jam it</strong>. Items must still move freely in the water and detergent to break up dirt. Leave a hand's width of space between the top of the drum and your clothes in a top-loading machine. Load your clothes to the top of the clear door in a front loader.</p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/overload.jpg, Overloaded Laundry https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/overload.jpg
    Pre-treat stainsPre-treat stains<div class="ExternalClass544A594F5E5C4F5980A928EEDB07D361"><p><strong>Pre-treat stains</strong> and heavily soiled clothing right away, so they won't need to be washed twice.</p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/pretreat.jpg, Pre-treat https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/pretreat.jpg
    Run full load of laundryRun full load of laundry<div class="ExternalClass8EBB9046C03C4246A73E90D65E99CF12"><p><strong>Running a full load of laundry</strong> uses less water than two half loads. Even with an efficient washer, one load a day uses 340 litres per week. Re-use towels throughout the week, hold off on washing jeans, and wait to run a full load.</p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/full-laundry.jpg, Full Laundry https://metrovancouver.org/welovewater/PublishingImages/full-laundry.jpg

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    Let your lawn go dormantLet your lawn go dormant<div class="ExternalClass816CBFD32C384EBD834F6047A0728703"><p>Let your lawn go dormant in the summer. With proper preparation and care, its green will return with autumn rains.​​​<br></p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/gold-lawn.jpg, Lawn gold https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/gold-lawn.jpg
    <strong>Aerate your lawn</strong> in the spring and fall<strong>Aerate your lawn</strong> in the spring and fall<div class="ExternalClass57D03483104C4EC8883F595F69ACA7E5"><p>Aerate your lawn in the spring and fall to increase the flow of water to your lawn's roots.​<br></p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/aerate.jpg, aerate https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/aerate.jpg
    Apply limeApply lime<div class="ExternalClass9B1BE54200444C099B6CACAC126C577C"><p>Apply lime in spring and fall to adjust acidic soils to a neutral pH that protects grass from heat and lack of water.<br></p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/lime.jpg, use lime https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/lime.jpg
    Remove thick thatchRemove thick thatch<div class="ExternalClass2CF77CEF600245A3B29D0CE1ED9CD3D3"><p>Remove thick thatch in late spring or early fall to let water reach grass roots.​<br></p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/thatch.jpg, Remove Thatch https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/thatch.jpg
    Overseed in early springOverseed in early spring<div class="ExternalClass079CA4554E0944DFB1BAB1E884F6383D"><p>Overseed with a low-maintenance lawn seed mixture. Plan to overseed at least a month before the start of watering restrictions to give new life to patchy lawns and add thickness to healthy ones.​​<br></p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/overseed.jpg, Overseed https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/overseed.jpg
    Overseed with micro cloverOverseed with micro clover<div class="ExternalClass0BACADD67B224FF4A2DA07EF53ECD775"><p>Overseed with micro clover. Micro clover lawns stay greener than traditional lawns through summer dry periods and are generally unaffected by wet winters.​<br></p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/clover.jpg, Clover https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/clover.jpg
    Try turf alternativesTry turf alternatives<div class="ExternalClass6F295C5517874002A89ECA05A9A4EB97"><p>Try turf alternatives like micro clover, tapestry lawns, moss lawns, and sedum mats. Find a low-maintenance, water wise alternative that suits you using the <a href="http://www.growgreenguide.ca/" target="_blank">​Grow Green Guide</a>.<br></p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/turf.jpg, Turf https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/turf.jpg
    <strong>Mow high</strong> to help your lawn retain water<strong>Mow high</strong> to help your lawn retain water<div class="ExternalClass99DBFB88336848C3AA8BDF96837879B7"><p>Mow grass to ankle height. The shade from taller grass allows roots to establish, helping your lawn retain water.​<br></p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/mow-high.jpg, Mow high https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/mow-high.jpg
    <strong>Leave grass clippings</strong> on your lawn after mowing<strong>Leave grass clippings</strong> on your lawn after mowing<div class="ExternalClassB8D0E1F44D5C4D7F8F743C8014293643"><p>Leave grass clippings on your lawn after mowing. It helps reduce water evaporation so you can water less often.​​​<br></p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/grass-clipping.jpg, Grass Clippigs https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/grass-clipping.jpg
    Adapt your irrigation scheduleAdapt your irrigation schedule<div class="ExternalClassE3C06EFB8B3A4BDCAA9D6D1B024DF5D6"><p>Adjust your irrigation controller as the seasons, weather, and watering restrictions change.​​<br></p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/irrigation-schedule.jpg, Irrigation Schedule https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/irrigation-schedule.jpg
    Water deeply, but infrequentlyWater deeply, but infrequently<div class="ExternalClassA59629E39D28494283E992CAC9C2CFD0">​Program irrigation systems to water deeply but infrequently, within the regulated times.</div>https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/water-deep.jpg, Water Deep https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/water-deep.jpg
    <strong>Water your lawn</strong>, not the pavement<strong>Water your lawn</strong>, not the pavement<div class="ExternalClass6078A2F9D7024FFB88F52D10CF5075C7"><p>Position your sprinkler so it only waters your lawn and plants, not driveways or sidewalks.​<br></p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/water-lawn.jpg, water lawn https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/water-lawn.jpg
    Check for broken sprinkler headsCheck for broken sprinkler heads<div class="ExternalClassDA9876EE922A4032BA06216933BD3150"><p> Replace broken, bent, or stuck sprinkler heads. One broken sprinkler head can waste thousands of litres of drinking water by spilling/spraying water onto sidewalks and driveways.<br></p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/broken-sprinkler.jpg, Broken Sprinkler https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/broken-sprinkler.jpg
    Weed lawns and gardensWeed lawns and gardens<div class="ExternalClass7EE9A21E35314715B5ECB5C27324BE8E"><p>Weed regularly. Weeds can establish roots that compete for nutrients and water.<br></p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/weeding.jpg, Weeding https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/weeding.jpg
    Flush irrigation systems before winterFlush irrigation systems before winter<div class="ExternalClass1526FA16E840422CB00164CC674EEDA7"><p>Flush irrigation systems before winter to get rid of any lingering water that might freeze and crack pipes and sprinklers.​<br></p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/flush-irrigation.jpg, Flush Irrigation https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/flush-irrigation.jpg
    <strong>Inspect your yard</strong> for underground leaks<strong>Inspect your yard</strong> for underground leaks<div class="ExternalClassAB694DB0DA0B403C81A057F30F84C687"><p>Walk around your property to look for spongy ground or pooling where leaking pipes might be hidden. If detected, call a plumber.​​​<br></p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/outdoor-leaks.jpg, Outdoor leaks https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/outdoor-leaks.jpg
    <strong>Know how</strong> to turn off your property’s water<strong>Know how</strong> to turn off your property’s water<div class="ExternalClass2305FBA151AF46E2AEF8378247E915A0"><p>Know how to turn off your property’s water. This could save thousands of litres of water if a pipe breaks and prevent further damage to your home.​<br></p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/shut-off-valve.jpg, Shut off valve https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/shut-off-valve.jpg

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    Use a rain barrelUse a rain barrel<div class="ExternalClassBB01248F49CE4D6692B6BD8C83258B45"><p>Water vegetable gardens with water saved in a rain barrel instead of treated drinking water.​<br></p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/rain-barrel.jpg, Rain barrel https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/rain-barrel.jpg
    Put leaves and bark mulch around shrubs and treesPut leaves and bark mulch around shrubs and trees<div class="ExternalClassAE03BAAACAD046AC9727CAF152C7066F"><p>Put leaves and bark mulch around shrubs and trees to hold in moisture and slow evaporation.​​​<br></p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/mulch.jpg, Mulch https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/mulch.jpg
    Plant native speciesPlant native species<div class="ExternalClass9B5167357DF541D8BB8E7DE17F2F0C0F"><p>Plant species native to our region. They are better suited to our climate and can often thrive on rainfall alone.​<br></p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/native-plants.jpg, Native Plants https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/native-plants.jpg
    Group plants by watering needsGroup plants by watering needs<div class="ExternalClass7F8CB9C21CFD46C8AF8E257A74FB9055"><p> Group plants with similar watering needs to avoid overwatering those that don't require much water.<br></p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/group-plants.jpg, Group plants https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/group-plants.jpg
    Plant gardens in spring and fallPlant gardens in spring and fall<div class="ExternalClass7B39E3990BAC4D91B4CC358A8913A71F"><p>Plant in wetter seasons like spring and fall.​​<br></p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/plant-gardens.jpg, Plant gardens https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/plant-gardens.jpg
    <strong>Install a shut-off nozzle</strong> on your hose<strong>Install a shut-off nozzle</strong> on your hose<div class="ExternalClass994C551040614D219A655512BA87AEA9"><p>Install a shut-off nozzle on your hose to ensure it only runs when in use. ​An average garden hose delivers around 45 litres of water each minute.<br></p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/hose-valve.jpg, Hose valve https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/hose-valve.jpg
    Save fall leavesSave fall leaves<div class="ExternalClassA851CF3F0BE244F2AC207E45D615F51C"><p>Save fall leaves in an old garbage can or tarp to keep them for use as mulch in the spring.​<br></p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/save-dry-leaves.jpg, Save dry leaves https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/save-dry-leaves.jpg
    Use grow bags to water treesUse grow bags to water trees<div class="ExternalClassC91B23B440B84C8A8033A79C26ABBBB7"><p>Use grow bags on trees to deliver water deep below the soil surface and encourage root growth during dry conditions.<br></p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/drip-bag.jpg, drip bags https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/drip-bag.jpg
    Use a <strong>soaker hose to water</strong> deeplyUse a <strong>soaker hose to water</strong> deeply<div class="ExternalClass9E37A6DD29644BF8A6FCBBC743CB24F7"><p>Use a soaker hose to water deeply at the root, reducing water runoff.<br></p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/soaker-hose.jpg, Soaker hose https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/soaker-hose.jpg
    Choose plants that <strong>love dry heat</strong>Choose plants that <strong>love dry heat</strong><div class="ExternalClass7E350F5A90E0431EA28D0E2517C339FC"><p>Choose plants that love dry heat like tomatoes, basil, beans, melon, and eggplant.​​<br></p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/heat-plants.jpg, Heat plants https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/heat-plants.jpg
    Let your planter boxes <strong>enjoy the shade</strong>Let your planter boxes <strong>enjoy the shade</strong><div class="ExternalClassECEEEA4C1BA24674A392EBA2E461E472"><p>Pull planter boxes into the shade so they won't dry out.<br></p></div>https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/planter-box.jpg, Planter box https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/planter-box.jpg

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