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Click on icon to go to "Roofing"
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Link to RDN sponsored video on Water Conservation:
http://www.rdn.bc.ca/cms.asp?wpID=1825
Fairwinds Water Conservation Committee Calendar 2010 PHOTO
CONTEST
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The 2nd Annual Fairwinds Water Conservation Calendar
Photo Contest is not taking submission for the 2011 Calendar. To
enter, just email us a copy of your best Fairwinds Landscape or Garden shot.
All entries must be received by August 20th, 2010.
For criteria and rules please see:
Information
Bulletin or below |
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| Many Thanks to the sponsors of this
calendar, without them we could not have done it!! |
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2nd
Annual NANOOSE PENINSULA WATER CONSERVATION CHALLENGE |
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What: |
Nanoose Peninsula Water
Conservation Challenge |
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Who: |
Anyone in the Nanoose area who
receives a water bill from the RDN (Regional District of Nanaimo) |
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Why: |
To encourage the smart use of water |
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When: |
Constest runs from May 15th to Sept
15th, 2009 |
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Register anytime by contacting Pam at 250-468-1579.
Download an entry form, win prizes, save water and save money.
By comparing your 2008 water consumption to your 2009
water consumption, prizes will be awarded for:
 | the most water saved |
| biggest % decrease in water consumption
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| most creative way to reduce water consumption |
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For conservation tips see below. |
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Handouts:
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Measure your WATER FOOTPRINT - go to
http://www.goblue.org/
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The Fairwinds
Community Association Water Conservation Committee focuses on the efficient
use of water in our community. Our members work with the Regional
District of Nanaimo (RDN), other agencies & businesses to promote
conservation through awareness, educational workshops, annual garden & water
conservation information day and other community initiatives.
For more information or to become involved, contact Pam May-Straka at
468-1579.
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Do you know HOW MUCH WATER DOES IT TAKE
TO: |
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Flush a toilet |
4-6 gallons |
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Wash dishes |
6-12 gallons |
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Take a shower |
25-30 gallons |
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Take a bath |
30-40 gallons |
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Wash clothes |
30-50 gallons per load |
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Wash the car |
60 gallons |
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Produce 1 Sunday newpaper |
150 gallons |
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Water the lawn |
100-200 gallons |
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BROCHURES:
Information Brochures prepared by Team WaterSmart - Working Towards a
Sustainable Future. (Click on hyperlinks for PDF file)
Link to
RDN Water Smart |
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Brochures on:
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Efficient Appliances |
If you are considering installing new appliances, why not
purchase water and energy efficient products? Information on clothes
washer, dishwasher, low-flow toilet, dual flush toilet, showerhead.
Information on retrofitting your existing appliances such
as the toilet, rain sensor & faucet aerators. |
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Efficent Irrigation |
Existing systems - make them more effective.
New systems - water saving features |
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Healthy
Lawn Care |
Information includes tips for maintaining a healthy lawn
while still conserving water. |
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Identifying Leaks |
Detecting leaks in your system, includes toilet, faucet,
irrigation system, showerhead, ice maker and others. |
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Low-Flow Toilets |
What to consider when installing a new toilet.
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Utilizing Rain Barrels |
The average house roof can collect 272 litres (60
gallons) of rain for each 9 sq metres. That is hundreds of litres of
water you can use in your garden. Types of rain barrels and
installation guide included. |
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Installing a New Showerhead |
Step by step guide to installing a new showerhead, the
materials needed and what to buy. |
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Water Wise Gardening |
Planting in zones. Tips on gardening with water
conservation in mind. |
10 Steps to using water
efficiently......
Printable Copy
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1. |
WATER WISELY. Your lawn only needs 1 inch of
water per week. Try placing an empty tuna can on your lawn - once
filled, stop watering. Watering deeply and infrequently promotes
healthy root growth while watering in the morning makes the most out of the
water used. |
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MAXIMIZE EFFICIENCY. If you have an
automated irrigation system, spot-check it once a month. Watch the
whole cycle and see if all of the sprayers are properly directed and that
there is no run off. While you're at it, adjust the timer to meet that
season's requirements. Plants need more water in the heat of summer
than in spring and fall. |
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3. |
FIX LEAKS. Most toilets will develop a leak
once every five years. Often silent, toilet leaks can be identified by
placing some food colouring in the tank - without flushing, if the water in
the bowl changes colour, you have a leak. Repairs can be as easy as
adjusting the placement of the flapper or the height of the float ball. |
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4. |
REPLACE. Toilets made before 1985 can use up
to 26 litres of water per flush. Replacing an older model toilet with
an efficient 6-litre model could save 30% of the water you use indoors. To
save even more, consider a dual flush model with 3 and 6 litre buttons.
Low flow toilet technology has significantly improved since they first came
on the market in the early 1990s. |
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5. |
RETROFIT. Rain sensors cost between $30 -
$70 and can be easily fitted to most automated irrigation systems.
They measure the amount of rain each week and turn off your system if there
has been significant rainfall. |
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6. |
DOUBLE CHECK. Before you go to bed, check
the number on your water meter. Do not use any water. In the
morning if the number has changed, you have a leak. Leaking toilets,
irrigation systems or faucets are usually the culprits. The cost of
your water increases with the amount you use, so repairing leaks could save
you a bundle on your next water bill. |
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7. |
SHOP SMART. If you are planning on
purchasing a new dishwasher or washing machine, look for the energy star
label, you will save on both electricity and water use. |
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8. |
LAWN CARE. Building a healthy lawn will help
to decrease the amount of water your lawn needs. Leaving your lawn 6
to 8 cm tall and leaving grass clippings on the yard will shade the soil,
increase moisture and naturally provide 30% of the nitrogen your grass
needs. |
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9. |
UTILIZE NATURE. Rain barrels are a great way
to save water. They collect the water that comes down the downspout
and can be redirected onto your lawn or garden. |
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10. |
PLANT SMART. Once established, drought
tolerant plants require little water, pruning or maintenance. Drought
tolerant plants are easy to spot because they have small, fuzzy, waxy or
oily leaves. Native plants are especially hardy, thrive well in most
conditions and are ideally suited for our habitat. |
LINKS
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Gardening
for Wildlife |
booklet produced by Naturescape British
Columbia on the subject of gardening for wildlife |
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| Native Plants |
Native Plant Society of British Columbia,
list of suppliers of native plants |
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