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General News · 10th June 2015
Friends of Cortes Island
CHEK News Article
Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and Haida Gwaii at level three drought; Conservation urged
Posted By: Dana Hutchingson:
June 09, 2015

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations say Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and Haida Gwaii will likely experience significant water supply shortages in 2015, unless there is substantial precipitation between now and the end of June.

Ministry staff are closely monitoring river levels and may upgrade the drought level if the weather continues to have a negative effect on stream flows and water supply.

Residential, agricultural and industrial users within municipalities and regional districts are encouraged to observe local water conservation bylaws.

Water conservation tips (with some additions to original article suggestions):

At home:
* Limit outdoor watering.
* Don’t water during the heat of the day or when it’s windy.
* When watering plants, keep water source close to the soil.
* Take shorter showers and limit filling bathtubs.
* Easily convert your toilet to low flush:
http://www.wikihow.com/Convert-Any-Toilet-to-a-Low-Flush-Toilet
* Reduce toilet flushing - If it's yellow, let it mellow!
* Shut off water supply to any leaky water faucets or hoses.
* Don’t leave the tap running.
* Don't wash your car or do unnecessary power-washing.
* Let your lawn go brown.
* Consider planting drought-tolerant vegetation.
* Install water-efficient showerheads and toilets.

On the farm:
* Implement an irrigation scheduling program using real-time weather data.
* Schedule irrigation to match crop needs and soil storage capacity.
* Improve water system efficiencies and check for leaks.
* Focus on high value crops and livestock.

Industry:
* Reduce non-essential water usage.
* Recycle water used in industrial operations.
* Utilize water-efficient methods and equipment.

From Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations

Additional Water Saving Tips in the Bathroom:
http://www.gracelinks.org/437/water-saving-tips-in-the-bathroom

More information: BC Drought Information
http://www.livingwatersmart.ca/drought/

Original Article:
http://www.cheknews.ca/vancouver-island-the-gulf-islands-and-haida-gwaii-at-level-three-drought-conservation-urged-103095