Water Conservation
Water Conservation Plan
The goal of Water conservation planning is to achieve more efficient water-use by residential, industrial, commercial and institutional consumers in the City of Prince George. The impetus for moving toward water conservation is both economic and environmental. Economic concerns include a desire to alleviate capacity constraints, defer infrastructure replacement costs, and reduce operational costs. Environmental considerations involve minimizing the impact of both extracting and subsequently releasing treated city water to the natural environment. This document is the amalgamation of efforts and strategies to increase water-use efficiency and allow for the sustainable supply of water for all users, and presents a comprehensive plan for the conservation of the water resources in Prince George.
The entire Water Conservation Plan is available in PDF format.
Indoor Water Conservation
Ever wonder where all the water goes in a typical home. Most of it goes down the toilet. Surprisingly, very little of it is used for actual drinking. ***These statistics do not account for water used outdoors.
Typical water use inside the home
Estimated Water Use for Fixtures and Appliances
(Source: American Water Works Association)
Follow the Three Waterwise Rs
Reduce: Reducing your water use is as simple as turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, operating dishwashers and washing machines with full loads.
Repair: Fix leaks as soon as you find them. Leaky taps and toilets cost you money.
Retrofit: Install faucet aerators, replace an old showerhead with a new, low-flow model, or replace an old toilet with a ultra-low flush model. Water used in the bathroom can be reduced up to 50%.
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Outdoor Water Conservation
Lawn Watering
- A lawn requires only about one inch (2.5 cm) of water per week. That works to only a half hour of sprinkling twice a week on your sprinkling day.
- To minimize water evaporation and mould and fungus problems, watering should be done during the cool parts of your sprinkling day, either early in the morning or in the evening.
- Less watering promotes deeper, healthier lawn roots.
- Your lawn retains more moisture if it is cut to 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) in length. Taller grass shades and cools the soil and tall grasses grow at a slower rate, so it won't need to be mowed as often.
- Aerate your lawn to allow air, water and fertilizer to reach the roots.
- Please ensure that your automatic irrigation system is properly set within the permitted times. Turn off automatic irrigation system OFF when it rains and reset the timer afterwards.
- Avoid watering on windy days.
- Make sure that paved areas and sidewalks are not watered.
Water Use Restriction
Hours of Water Use Restrictions
- Please be advised that water use restrictions are in effect 365 days a year
- For more information please see the water use restrictions page
Water Use Restriction Exemption
- If you require an exemption to the Water Use Restrictions, please download, complete and return the Exemption Form [PDF].
Other Tips to Conserve Water Outdoors
- When washing your vehicle, make sure that a spring-loaded nozzle is used to eliminate any wasting of water.
- Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks.
- Put a layer of mulch around the base of trees and shrubs to retain moisture and reduce weed growth.
- Plant drought resistant trees and plants.
Rain Barrels for Sale
On sale now at the REAPS Garden (1950 Gorse Street).
Rain barrels include:
- Ultraviolet resistant materials that will not rust, break-down or corrode.
- Ball valve with garden hose fitting mounted at base.
- Lid with filtering screen to keep barrel free of debris and insects.
- Opaque colour to reduce algae growth.
Benefits of rain barrels:
- Harvesting of rainwater is free
- Rainwater is better for your lawn and garden because it is not treated with Chlorine and Fluoride
- Using rainwater reduces demands on stormwater systems
- Stored rainwater is warmer and will not “shock” plants or lawns
- No pumping is required, so there are no electricity costs
- Setup is easy, and little maintenance is required
Rain barrels are only $65.00, taxes included.
Volunteer Water Metering Program
In order to ensure our current water supply remains reliable and healthy and that it continues to meet the needs of our community and the supporting environment well into the future, the City of Prince George has implemented a Volunteer Water Metering Program, which is part of the City's Water Conservation efforts. It is hoped the conservation program will increase awareness around the need to be more responsible in our use of water resources and encourage a greater commitment to conserve water where possible. If you are interested in volunteering, please give the Utilities Division a call at 561-7550.
Kids and Teachers
Check out the ‘Wacky Wet Water Activity Book’ for some great information and activities on Prince George’s drinking water, aquifers, and water conservation.
For some more great tips on conserving water please take a look at the City of Prince George Water Conservation Program ‘Guide to Wise Water Use’
For more information, please call the City of Prince George at 561-7600.
Remember to Use Water Wisely!