Public Education

Like many communities in BC, Chilliwack has adopted a proactive water efficiency program that ensures residents and businesses are working together to conserve water, especially during the drier months. Below are ways for all of us to help conserve water throughout the year.

Ways to Conserve Water

Even the smallest of changes to your water use can have a meaningful impact over the course of the year. Here's some recommendations to save water and money:

In the Home

Did you know the average person in Chilliwack uses 400 litres of water each day? Besides the use of outdoor water in the summer, a large amount of water is used inside the home.

Where is your water usage coming from?

• Only run your dishwater and washing machine with full loads.
• Turn off the tap when you're brushing your teeth, washing your face or shaving.
• Take short showers rather than baths. Try to limit it to 5 minutes or less.
• Keep drinking water in your fridge to avoid running the tap to get ice cold water.
• Install a low or dual flush model toilet. Find out if you're eligible to apply for our toilet rebate.
• Install faucet aerators, a small screen that can be attached to the tip of faucets in both the kitchen and bathroom.
• When washing dishes, fill the sink with soap and water and turn off the faucet.
• Regularly check your toilet and piping for leaks.
• Install a low flow showerhead. They can reduce water consumption by 30-50%.

In the Yard

• Sweep your driveway, patio or steps with a broom rather than using a hose to clean it.
• When washing your car, use a bucket full of soapy water with a sponge and then quickly rinse with a hose.
• Invest in a rain barrel to collect rainwater to water your gardens. See if your eligible for our rain barrel rebate.
• Always cover your pool to reduce evaporation.
• Collect the warm-up water from showers or baths to use for watering plants.
• Water at the root of plants.
• If using a hose with a spray nozzle, adjust the flow rate so water is entering at a rate the soil can absorb.

Lawn Maintenance

• Let your lawn go dormant and "golden" and enter a chance to win a prize!
• Only water when necessary and according to Chilliwack's water restrictions.
• Mow high to allow the growth of longer roots which can reach down for moisture on hot, dry days.
• Angle your sprinkler so the spray lands only on your garden and grass, not on the sidewalk or street.
• Install new sod or seed in the spring and fall months when there is more rain.

In Your Business / At Work

• Replace your toilets with low flow models.
• Change from wet to dry carpet cleaning methods.
• Read all meters monthly to help detect leaks.
• Ensure that the shared dishwasher runs only when it's full.
• Install water faucets that turn off automatically.
• Educate staff about water efficiency.
• Use signs or stickers to tell your staff and customers how to save water.