Water conservation in the Southern Gulf Islands

Here on the west coast, we experience seasonal droughts with hot, dry weather characterizing the summer months. This is especially concerning in the Southern Gulf Islands, where our freshwater supply is entirely recharged by rainfall. That means when the rains stop, we have less water available and these shortages affect drinking water quality, ecosystem health, and local industries. As a visitor, you can help by being mindful of your water usage, here’s how. 

In the washroom

Shorten your shower. Use a timer in the shower to strive for five minutes. Fill your bathtub only as full as you need. 

Keep the taps off. When shaving and brushing your teeth, turn the taps off until you need them instead of leaving them running. 

Reduce your flushes. Several litres of drinking water go down the drain every time you flush the toilet. Limit the number of times you flush to save water. 

Don’t use the toilet for garbage. Flushing anything other than pee, poo or toilet paper is not safe for our septic systems. Flushable wipes and other common products should be disposed of in a garbage bin.

In the kitchen

Do full loads of dishes. Only run the dishwasher when it’s full. If doing dishes by hand, fill one sink with soapy water and one with rinse water instead of leaving the tap running to rinse. 

Reuse water where possible. When waiting for your water to become warm, try capturing it for other uses. 

Give produce a bath. Don’t let the tap run while you clean vegetables, rinse them in a stoppered sink or a pan of clean water instead

BYO drinking water. Come prepared by bringing your own drinking water. A large, reusable jug is both environmentally friendly and respectful of island resources.

In the laundry room

Do full loads of laundry. Every time the machine is used, you’re consuming water, so consolidating washes is the most water-efficient.

Wear your clothes more than once. Embrace island style. Clothes can be worn several times before they need to be washed.  

Reuse towels. The towel you use to dry after a shower does not need to be laundered after each use, hang it up and re-use it instead of asking for more.

Everywhere else

Adjust expectations. Some of the biggest uses of freshwater in the visitor economy come from water features on hotel properties, such as lush green lawns and large swimming pools. Consider valuing alternatives like location-appropriate landscaping, beach access, or water-recycling programs.

Support water-conscious businesses. Choose to support practices centered on water conservation and preservation. Your conscious spending choices can make an impact.

Before your visit. Water restrictions are implemented on a location-specific basis. Ask your accommodation provider if their property is affected. For May, June, July & August, Stage 2 restrictions or higher are in effect.