The document discusses ways for residents in the Okanagan region to be more water efficient, as the region has less available water per person than most places in Canada and climate change may further impact supply. It notes that 24% of water usage goes to residential outdoor uses like lawns, and provides tips for watering lawns more efficiently such as only watering in the early morning or evening, watering only when needed, and using native plants that require less water. The article encourages taking time now to thoughtfully consider water usage and find the most effective ways to maximize the benefit from each drop of water.

1. Capital News Friday, July 29, 2011 www.kelownacapnews.com A17
NEWS
▼ USE OF WATER
Be efficient watering
your lawn or garden
Corinne Jackson
CONTRIBUTOR
It may seem odd to
be talking water conser-
vation in such a wet year,
but it’s really the best time
to start thinking about our
water use. Even a number of lo- water in the world to irri-
While the Okanagan’s cal golf courses, en- gate our lawns.
2011 spring and summer joyed by locals and tour- Some have asked why
are cool and wet, 2010 ists alike, are looking we don’t just build larger
was a different story as to save water, changing reservoirs.
parts of the valley nar- their landscape to native But building infra-
rowly missed a serious plants and/or using treated structure is costly. The
drought. So why wait for wastewater for spray irri- fact is, there is room for
a crisis to plan ahead? gation. simple changes in the way
The Okanagan is a However, there is sig- we use water that, if im-
water-short region, with nificant room to make plemented, could create
less water available per water work better in our significant water savings
person than almost any- personal landscapes—in —and tax savings.
where in Canada. particular, on our lawns. If you water your
As the population of In all, 24 per cent of lawn, here are some easy
this valley continues to all water we take out of tips to make water work: LAKE COUNTRY
grow, it could affect our Okanagan lakes and riv- • Water during the resident Deb Sippel uses a
water supply. ers is used by residents coolest part of the day to watering can on the plants
At the same time, re- outside. prevent evaporation. A that need it. Handwatering is
cent studies conducted for This is the second good rule of thumb is 10 a great way to make water
the Okanagan Basin Wa- largest human use of wa- p.m. to 6 a.m. work, allowing you to target
ter Board have shown that ter, most of it being used • Water only when it’s
climate change may also in the summer on our needed. Most lawns only only those plants that truly
impact our supply. lawns and gardens. need 2.5 centimetres (one need the moisture.
It makes sense then While one can make inch) of water per week— CORINNE JACKSON/CONTRIBUTOR
to take this time to think the case that water on the about the depth of a tuna • Leave your grass 5 to
wisely about our wa- garden is used to grow can. Watering deeply and 8 cm tall. This slows wa-
ter use and find ways to food—and thus is work- less often promotes deep, ter evaporation from the
make water work in the
most efficient and effec-
ing water, lawns are most-
ly cosmetic features.
healthy root growth. If
this isn’t working, then
soil.
• Landscape with na-
Be water wise…
tive way possible. It’s interesting to note the issue is unlikely how tive and low-water vari-
The Okanagan’s that our water systems much water the lawn is ety plants.
We are proud to be part of a progressive water use
lakes, vineyards, orchards were built decades ago for getting. You may need to For more on Oka- community. Visit the City’s Water Smart website
and golf courses—icon- agriculture—not residen- top dress or aerate. nagan WaterWise, visit and/or okwaterwise.ca for water saving tips and
ic images for this valley— tial use. • Leave grass clip- www.okwaterwise.ca.
are examples of “work- And as residential de- pings as mulch on your information on the latest irrigation initiatives.
ing water,” providing an mand on these systems lawn. They help feed the
economic benefit to the has grown so has the need lawn and retain moisture,
valley. for costly water treatment requiring less water and Okanagan Water-
The agricultural in- to meet drinking water reducing evaporation. Wise is an initiative of the
dustry has made great regulations. • Position your sprin- Okanagan Basin Water
strides to be more water- As a result, we’re us- kler to only water your Board. Corinne Jackson
efficient and this work is ing some of the best, most lawn or garden, not pave- is the Okanagan Water-
continuing. highly-purified drinking ment. Wise coordinator. Your Irrigation Efficiency Partner
Sweet corn sale
info@waterkind.ca
fundraiser delayed We make it PROUDLY
SERVING THE
EASY for you to SAVE
OKANAGAN
MECHANICAL SINCE 1946
The Kelowna City Band’s Sweet Corn Sale has been A.R. DYCK
postponed due to poor growing weather throughout the Heating • Air Conditioning • Plumbing • Gas Fitting • Indoor Air Quality
province.
Fresh Chilliwack corn will now be available on Sat- Two Stage
urday, Aug. 13, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., from various locations TANKLESS
in Kelowna, West Kelowna and Winfield. 80% EFFICIENT FURNACES WATER HEATERS
Buy some corn and support your local musicians at starting at
either of these locations: Canadian Tire, Liquor Store by
• Rinnai
Coopers in the Mission, Trinity Baptist Church at Spall
and Springfield. $3,249 installed or as low as 51 per month o.a.c.
$ • Navien
Snowbirds impact traffic CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONERS • Noritz
Vehicle access to Knox Mountain Drive will be re-
starting at
stricted Monday, Aug. 1, from 3 to 6 p.m., to accommo-
date the Canadian Forces Snowbirds airshow. Pedestri- $2,537 installed or as low as $40 per month o.a.c.
an access will be maintained.
The airshow will take place from 5 to 5:30 p.m. over INTERIOR’S LARGEST PREMIER LENNOX DEALER
Okanagan Lake.
The preferred viewing areas for the show will be 3190 Sexsmith Road • 762-3122
from Kerry Park to Waterfront Park. www.wightmanmechanical.com