This July, let’s be water wise

Big Moves

Whistler is Making BIG MOVES for our Climate. When we act together, small steps become BIG MOVES

Whistler’s Climate Action BIG MOVES Strategy identifies the six most impactful action areas we need to focus on as a community to reduce emissions and make Whistler a more climate resilient community. We all have a role to play! The RMOW, in partnership with Whistler’s environmental charity AWARE, has created Small Steps for BIG MOVES: 12 months of climate actions we can each take to support Whistler’s six BIG MOVES!!

TAKE ACTION! This July, let’s

Be water wise

The benefits of watching our water usage flows through to BIG MOVE #6: Close the loop and shift toward lower carbon consumption.

With Climate Change bringing longer, hotter, dryer summers as well as increased risk of wildfires the availability of water is projected to reduce, as demand for water increases. Taking simple steps to reduce personal water use will help ensure we have water reserves for crucial services such as fire fighting.  

Whether installing flow efficient fixtures or planning the next landscaping project using drought tolerant species, conserving and preserving Whistler’s most valuable natural resource is vital to preserving the way of life we love in the mountains. 

Big moves 6

Ready to take action? Let’s try one (or some) of these Small Steps for BIG MOVES:

1. INSTALL LOW-FLOW TOILETS OR REDUCE THE WATER VOLUME IN YOUR TANK.

Toilets account for almost a quarter of all household water usage. Aside from the installation of grey-water systems (which utilise water from sink and showers to flush toilets) we can all save water by focusing on our flusher.

Reduce the flow by:

  • Installing low flush toilets
  • Reducing the amount of water held in an existing toilet tank can be done simply. There are market options available to buy in most home stores that reduce the amount of water the tank holds. An easy DIY option is to fill a plastic bottle or 2 with sand, put the lids on tight and place in the tank. Be sure the bottles are out of the way of the flush mechanism and – presto – the flow of every flush is reduced.  

2. REPAIR LEAKS IN TAPS AND PIPES.

Fixing a hot water leak in your faucet can save up to $9 per year in energy costs. 

Learn how to fix that leak with:

3. SEE IF YOU CAN SHAVE ONE MINUTE OFF YOUR SHOWER TIME.

Taking shorter showers saves you time and water! While you’re at it, save energy and money by turning to cooler water. You can also turn water off when shaving, washing hands, and brushing teeth. Spotting those little intervals to shut the running water off, will make a big difference.

4. ADOPT WATER-WISE GARDENING PRACTICES.

  • To maximise water uptake, be sure to water plants slowly and in the early morning. When the temperatures are lowest, the plant can best utilize the water it’s taking in.
  • Prioritise plants that are drought tolerant and if you can set up rain barrels so you can continue watering through any water restrictions.
  • Reduce the impacts of hotter summers in your garden and on your home by planting some shade trees. Select deciduous trees and plant to the south side of your home. Deciduous trees are less of a fire risk and their leaves will keep your garden and home cooler in the summer, but after dropping leaves in the fall, allow the sun to warm your home in the winter months.

5. BE WARY OF WATER WASTERS, ESPECIALLY IN SUMMER MONTHS.&

Some equipment such as power washers can use huge amounts of water in a short amount of time. When considering your next home project, whether it’s spring cleaning a patio or washing the car, consider how you might use less or no water just by choosing a different tool for the job.

Quick Facts: 

Whistler’s community water use target is 425 litres per person per day, and in 2018 per person consumption in Whistler was 461 litres per person per day.

It’s easy to forget this fact living in a place rich with easy access to quality drinking water, but with half of Whistler’s water coming from ground water wells and the other half from surface water, we are vulnerable to changes in water abundance.

Using water-saving tips this summer will help protect our community and our water supply.

Setting a timer or putting on one or two short songs you like are great ways to keep track of shower time and save water.

For details on outdoor water use and how those permitted uses change over summer be sure to keep an eye on the RMOW website for the latest details on water conservation and restrictions. Alternatively sign up for Whistler Today to get updates direct to your inbox.