Water Use
Each property’s meter is read at the time of system flushing that is scheduled during the Fall, Winter and Spring time frame.
The meter readings are used primarily to identify possible leaks in the system and are also recorded to track water usage per property. A meter at the well site is read weekly throughout the year, also as a means of leakage control and to monitor consumption.
Individual property readings vary within our district based on household size. Our goal is for each of us to keep water conservation at top of mind during the Summer months and be respectful of water usage during Fall, Winter and Spring seasons. RPID property owners receive an individualized meter reading letter for their property after each seasonal system flush.
Absence off Island
Owners and residents are encouraged to turn their water off at the meter by the road when they leave their property unattended for a period of over 3-5 days in case leaks occur on their property while they are away.
Year Round Water Collection
Installation of cisterns and water barrel collection are great ways to store water for gardens and landscaping areas, shrubs, etc. There is now a heightened awareness for collecting rainwater during the wet season for gardens, shrubs and all foliage that requires water during mild to severe drought conditions.
Rain Barrels are a relatively inexpensive way to collect water. They will collect rainwater from your gutters and based on your set up, you can disperse this water to your gardens and shrubs, etc. The weather conditions from October to May will determine how much water these rain barrels will provide for your garden.
Here is a helpful link to the Capital Regional Districts (CRD) website that provides additional information about acquiring and using a rain barrel as a water source for your property.
Summer Water Restrictions – 2023
Water restrictions are in effect from June 1st through to September 30th. As we’ve all experienced on Pender Island, weather conditions are becoming drier during summer months. Water conservation is a responsibility for every RPID member. Paying attention to water usage all year round is important, and especially in the summer months. We encourage each RPID member to look at your meter and read it during the summer months to see how well you are managing your water usage. The Trustees have instituted a practical guideline for water restrictions to keep it simple and to help us stay on track for our watering needs during the summer.
Two Stages for Watering Restrictions:
The RPID encourages all members to install Rain Water Cisterns for the watering of gardens, shrubs and lawns.
Stage 1 – Measured Watering between June 1st and September 30th.
- Sprinkler devices are not to be used from June 1st – Sept 30th.
- Lawns are not to be watered using RPID potable (drinking) water.
- Water garden plants and shrubs as needed with a handheld watering can or hose nozzle. Twice a week is recommended with a top up for delicate plants.
- Water during the cooler parts of the day (i.e., before 9:00am and after 6:00pm).
- Controlled and timed drip lines work well for gardens.
- Rain water cisterns are recommended as a primary watering source for gardens and plants.
- Hot tubs are not to be filled during the summer timeframe. Please refer to Bylaw 10.01 for maintenance of hot tubs (cleaning, rinsing and refilling) during the late fall and winter months.
- Be conservative when washing a hard surface during summer months – please keep your washing to essential measures such as bird strikes on windows, patio decks and railings, cars, pleasure crafts, etc.
Stage 2 – Increased Watering Restrictions between June 1st and September 30th
during prolonged dry weather and drought conditions on Pender Island.
In addition to Stage 1 Guidelines:
- Watering of gardens and plants with handheld hoses, watering cans and controlled and measured non-sprinkler irrigation systems on timers.
- Critical use of water for hard surfaces only – to clean up animal feces on decks and vehicles. Please avoid washing any vehicle, pleasure craft during the summer water restriction timeframe unless you are using water from a water collection cistern.
General Water Conservation:
The Trustees note that it is to everyone’s benefit to practice water conservation throughout the year and water conservation is imperative when a community relies on a well as its principle source of water. Property owners and residents are encouraged to monitor their water consumption. To assist property owners and residents with conserving water, we have included a few tips and suggestions:
Inside the Home:
- Remind guests and visitors that they should also conserve water since your home is served by a well shared by 31 properties whereby 29 homes draw on the well and our storage tanks have limited capacity.
- Reduce your shower time. (Shortening your shower time from 10 minutes to 5 minutes can save you up to 40 litres of water each time you shower.)
- Turn off faucets when brushing teeth, etc.
- Collect and recycle water used to wash vegetables, etc.
- Choose high efficiency clothes washing and dishwashing machines.
- Install low flush toilets and low flow showerheads.
Outside the Home:
- Check for leaks regularly and repair as soon as possible.
- Install rainwater collection barrel or tank/cistern. (This is an excellent emergency supply of non-potable water and allows for watering of gardens, cleaning decks and walk ways and/or filling hot tubs at a specific time of year when that is permitted within the Water Use Bylaw.)
- Choose drought tolerant planting.
- Water plants (vegetables and flowers/shrubs) early in the morning to avoid water loss through evaporation.
- Mulch around plants.