Water Matters
There is considerable research available on the Hornby Water website (www.hornbywater.org) on ways to conserve water and the fragility of the ground water on Hornby Island. Even small changes will help reduce water consumption.
Ensure guests do not use water for cleaning paddle boards, cars or anything, other than people. In terms of promoting sustainable tourism to your guests, ask them to reuse their towels, limit their showers in both frequency and time, only run a dishwasher when full and switch all faucets off after use.
Some of the following ideas will have a positive impact on the Hornby Island underground aquifer.
For real time data of Provincial groundwater monitoring on Hornby Island go to: https://governmentofbc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=b53cb0bf3f6848e79d66ffd09b74f00d
1. Rainwater Collection
Installing a rainwater collection system will have a direct, positive impact on the Hornby Island ground water aquifer.
Rainwater harvesting is an alternative water supply to wells that does not use the ground water. Using well water directly depletes ground water supply and using a rainwater collection system can replace or augment a drilled or surface well.
The Hornby Island Residents and Ratepayers Association has an interest free loan program to assist in making the transition to Rainwater Harvested water systems. You can reach out to office@hirra.ca for more information
2. Residential Water Meter
You can install a residential water meter on your water line and conduct a water audit to investigate where you’re consuming the most water and repair any leaks or drips.
Water meters come in simple clamp on styles for copper or plastic pipe and can be monitored with an app on your cellphone. There are also the more traditional ones that are installed by a plumber in line and have a gauge on them.
They range in price from $50 to $400 depending on the style.
3. Shower Timer
To reduce the temptation to have longer showers, you can install a shower timer to restrict the amount of time a person showers. These can be purchased from $30 to $400 can be set at various times and are very user friendly.
4. Low-flow Water Fixtures
Low-flow technology is commonly found in toilets and showerheads. Installing a low-flow toilet can substantially reduce your water consumption as flushing toilets account for 30% of total indoor water use. Installing a low-flow showerhead can save a family of four 160,000 litres of water annually.
5. Laundry Use
Ask your guests to bring their own sheets and towels and limit or do not provide access to the washing machine during their stay
6. Landscaping
Choose native and local plant life for gardens and landscaping. Native plants are hardy because they have adapted to the local conditions. Once established, native plants do not need pesticides, fertilizers, or watering. Not only is this good for the environment, it also saves time and money. Landscaping with native wildflowers and grasses helps return the area to a healthy ecosystem.