Water Stewardship

Water Use Efficiency Catalogue for British Columbia

Voluntary Restrictions

B. 'Soft' Conservation Measures

II. Regional and Municipal Initiatives

2. Voluntary Restrictions

"Soft" conservation measures are less harsh or onerous than hard measures. Their approach to water use efficiency reflects more negotiation, conciliation, voluntarism and teaching. Soft measures include planning tools, voluntary restrictions, educational and information sharing initiatives (targeting residential, commercial/industrial and school audiences), government "lead by example" initiatives, and partnership and cooperation initiatives.

"Voluntary Restrictions " presented in this section is a predominantly local phenomenon whereby residents are asked to voluntarily limit their use of water during dry spells and peak demand periods.

Capital Regional District — Water Department

Voluntary Restrictions on Water Use

  • Keys to Success: political buy-in
Creston, Town of

Voluntary Restrictions on Water Use

  • In the event of a potential shortage, citizens are requested to voluntarily cut down on the use of water.
East Kootenay, Regional District of

Voluntary Restrictions on Water Use

  • Implementation: $200
  • Costs:
  • Constraints: seasonal populations
Hope, District of

Voluntary Restrictions on Water Use

  • On the whole, Hope does not restrict or limit the use of water. During dry spells and peak demand periods residents are asked to voluntarily restrict use as outlined in the Outdoor Watering Conservation Policy.

  • Outdoor Watering Conservation Policy
    • The Outdoor Watering Conservation Policy pertains to all municipal water systems under the direct control of the District of Hope.
    • "Outdoor watering" implies the use of municipal water outside the principle residence. The applicable activities include but are not limited to watering of lawns, landscaping, roofs and walls for cooling.
    • For the period each year from June 15 to September 15, residents shall be permitted to undertake outdoor watering activities on alternate odd or even calendar days based on civic addresses. This policy does not apply for the remainder of the calendar year. Exemptions may be granted by the District for special circumstances.
    • "Hand watering" implies the use of watering devices (hoses, nozzles, and sprinklers) while under the direct control of the user. Hand watering is permitted at any time regardless of the applicable watering day.
    • In the event that water shortages are forecasted even with the policy in place, it may be necessary to invoke watering restrictions when water storage levels are near minimum acceptable levels.
Midway, Village of

Voluntary Restrictions on Water Use

  • The Village has approximately 160 homes on municipal water. The need for major water conservation hasn't really been an issue.

  • Residents are asked not to water lawns during daylight hours.
Nakusp, Village of

Voluntary Restrictions on Water Use

  • Every week, throughout the summer, a newspaper ad with a different hint or tip for wise water-use is produced.
  • Keys to Success: public enforcement and compliance
  • Costs: $250
  • Potential Savings ($): 20%
  • Potential Water Savings: 20%
Port Alberni, City of

Voluntary Restrictions on Water Use

  • Costs: $1,000/yr on advertising
Port Alice, Village of

Voluntary Restrictions on Water Use

  • Keys to Success: request the public's cooperation
Port Clements , Village of

Voluntary Restrictions on Water Use

  • Wise water use, especially wise sprinkling, is encouraged in dry summer weather.
Pouce Coupe , Village of

Voluntary Restrictions on Water Use

  • The cost of water is high because the village purchases water from Dawson Creek. As a result of the high cost, residents are motivated to implement conservation techniques.
  • Keys to Success: high water cost
Spallumcheen, Township of

Voluntary Restrictions on Water Use

  • Keys to Success: public participation
Sunshine Coast Regional District

Voluntary Restrictions on Water Use

  • The "1997 Public Utilities and Transit Information" brochure presents practical tips on how to conserve water. Residents are encouraged to use water wisely in and around the home and yard.
Vanderhoof, District of

Voluntary Restrictions on Water Use

  • Residents are encouraged to conserve water in the summer.
  • Potential Water Savings: 800 m3/d