In the Town of Creston, where we are surrounded by an abundance of water and experience significant rainfall, it is easy to forget that water is a precious and limited resource. During the summer months, water consumption increases by up to 50%, and during particularly dry times, water can be used faster than the Arrow Creek system can refill.

Because of this, the Town of Creston and the Regional District of the Central Kootenay, along with Columbia Basin Trust, have established a water conservation strategy. This program is aimed at reducing basin wide water consumption by 20% based on 2009 water consumption. During the 2012 and 2014 seasons, Creston reduced water by 22% but during the hot and dry 2017 season water consumption was only reduced by 16% (from the 2009 baseline).    In order to keep achieving this goal, we must all do our part to lessen our water footprint.

Financial Benefits of Conserving Water

Becoming more water efficient reduces the full scope of water costs, including:

• Delaying the cost of infrastructure upgrades
• Heating water for home use, impacting your energy bills
• Maintaining the water supply infrastructure
• Treating and disposing of waste water

Water Conservation Tips and What You Can Do to Help

• Listen and look for leaks.
  • Leaking faucets consume a lot of water:
    • Slow drip: 280 liters per week
    • Fast drip: 750 liters per week
    • Steady stream (broken pipe): 3,700 liters per week
• Replace your toilet with a "low flow" model.  Choose one that uses 6 litres or less per flush. Download the Ultra Low Flow Toilet Rebate Application form online.  Toilets account for 30% of indoor water use.
• Think water efficient when you buy products like washing machines, dishwashers, fridges, irrigation systems, taps and toilets.
• Shower under a "low flow" showerhead and take shorter showers.
• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth and washing dishes.
• Water when the sun is low, winds are calm and temperatures are cooler.
• Divide by zones -
  • Different plants need different amounts of water.
  • Divide your yard and landscape areas into separate irrigation zones so that grass can be watered separately and more frequently than groundcovers, shrubs and trees.
  • Both sprinkler and drip irrigation can be incorporated to achieve more efficient use of water. 
• Water only things that grow - if you have an underground sprinkler system, make sure the sprinkler heads are adjusted properly to avoid water sidewalks and driveways.
• Consider natural landscaping and xeriscaping techniques - Landscaping using native plants and drought tolerant plant species requires less maintenance and less water. 
• Mulch - acts as a protective cover around plants.  It keeps soil cool and moist and discourages weed growth.  When grass clippings are allowed to decay naturally on the lawn, they release valuable nutrients, add water - saving mulch and encourage natural soil aeration by earthworms.