Story By: Sara Huber, Water Smart Ambassador-Town of Creston & RDCK

Ambassador imparts water wisdom

The Columbia Basin Trust’s Water Smart Initiative has the goal of reducing water use by 20 per cent among participating communities by 2015.

To reach this goal, the Town of Creston and Regional District of Central Kootenay hired me as a summer student to promote water conservation in the CrestonValley.

I am passionate about the environment and water conservation in particular. Because of this passion I will be continuing my education, pursing a master’s degree in sustainability.

The following figures summarize water use by sector:

Did you know that the Kootenays use more water per capita than anywhere else in Canada? Peak usage in the summer can increase demand by as much as 50 per cent.

This peaking factor is what we try to reduce. If not, we are forced to design water and waste-water systems to deal with these peak events, which is financially challenging and a burden on taxpayers.

If we are diligent about reducing our water consumption and peak usage declines, pump sizes, treatment at the waste-water plant and operational costs can all be reduced, and the design lifespan of existing infrastructure can be extended.

As part of my job, I educate the public about simple ways they can reduce water usage without significantly changing their lifestyle, thereby protecting the environment and keeping taxes and unnecessary infrastructure upgrades in check.

In order to promote water conservation through the Water Ambassador Program, I offer multiple initiatives:

1. Free outdoor household water assessments in which I analyse soil conditions, watering practices and needs, and increase efficiencies. During the assessment, homeowners are offered free hose timers or rain sensors.

2. A school educational program in which I educate students in grades 4-6. The first school to take part this year was Erickson elementary. The students learned numerous ways they can conserve water in their homes.

3. Public events such as the Creston Valley Farmers’ Market. Look for me every Saturday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. when I welcome your questions and give an opportunity to discuss water conservation strategies.

Through each of these strategies I hope to help residents lessen the burden on our water resources during the summer months. I look forward to working in this community and meeting many of you in person. Until then, be Water Smart.

As part of the initiative, the town is offering a $50 residential rebate on all high-efficiency, 4.8-litre-or-less flush toilets. If you are interested in this program, call Town Hall at 250-428-2214 or stop by Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to fill out a rebate form.

The town is planning to extend this promotion to the commercial sector to help motivate higher water users to reduce their consumption.