Many parts of Alberta are preparing for a drought after several dry years. While a lot of the focus is on Southern Alberta, Lacombe County residents, farmers and businesses are encouraged to find ways of conserving water.
To get ideas "flowing", Lacombe County is launching the Water Conservation Conversation, which provides simple tips and resources for saving water.
Where can I start?
All Albertans are asked to consider ways to use water wisely. Conserving water is always a good habit, and it can help your community and Albertans downstream from you.
Water Conservation: Let's make it a COMMUNITY effort! (August 16) |
As residents of Lacombe County—whether you're a farmer, living in one of our hamlets or rural subdivisions, or enjoying life by the lake—water is a vital resource that we all depend on. The changing climate and increasing demand for water make it more important than ever to use this precious resource wisely. By working together and adopting better water conservation practices, we can ensure that our community thrives now and in the future. EDUCATING OUR COMMUNITY ON WATER CONSERVATION One of the most effective ways to promote water conservation is through education. By sharing knowledge and raising awareness, we can inspire others to take action.
REVIEWING AND PLANNING FOR NEXT YEAR’S WATER USAGE
A COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY Water conservation is a collective responsibility that benefits all residents of Lacombe County. Whether you're a farmer ensuring your crops thrive, a homeowner maintaining your garden, or a lake resident enjoying our natural beauty, every drop counts. By educating others and planning our water usage carefully, we can protect this invaluable resource and secure a sustainable future for our community. Together, we can make a difference—one drop at a time. |
Strategies for Lacombe County Cattle Producers (July 19) |
In Lacombe County, where agriculture forms the backbone of the community, water conservation is not just a practice but a necessity. Cattle producers have the power to lead in sustainable water use and help safeguard this precious resource for future generations.
********************************** Water is a finite resource that demands our respect and careful management. For producers in Lacombe County, adopting these water conservation strategies is not just about compliance; it's about taking proactive steps towards sustainability and efficiency. By embracing these practices, ranchers can ensure that they are doing their part in preserving water resources while maintaining a productive and profitable operation. |
Tips for Businesses: Enhancing Water Efficiency (June 21) |
There are many ways local businesses to adopt sustainable water practices. These strategies are small ways to improve water efficiency. Focused on practical changes, these steps can significantly reduce water consumption in the workplace (and will save your money, too). Conduct a Water Audit Upgrade Restroom Facilities Opt for Dry Floor Cleaning Methods Install Faucet Aerators Lacombe County encourages all local businesses to consider these strategies as part of their operational policies. Adopting such water-saving measures not only contributes to global environmental efforts but also promotes sustainability within the community. By implementing these steps, businesses in Lacombe County can demonstrate leadership in sustainability and help preserve our precious water resources for future generations. |
Xeriscaping (May 16) |
Drought resistant plants and treesOne effective approach in urban landscaping is the planting of drought-resistant trees and plants, or engaging in xeriscaping. Xeriscaping is a way of designing landscapes so they use as little water as possible. This not only reduces our dependence on water but also contributes positively to our environment by conserving this precious resource. Here’s how Xeriscaping works: Choosing the Right Plants: Instead of using plants that need a lot of water, xeriscaping focuses on plants that are naturally drought-resistant. These plants don't need much water to thrive. Think of cacti, succulents, and some grasses and shrubs that you see growing in dry areas—they all do really well with little water. Planning the Space: In xeriscaping, the way you arrange the plants and the landscape features is important. The goal is to reduce water usage but also to keep the area looking good. You might see different areas in a xeriscape yard grouped by how much water they need—so plants that need a bit more water are together and can be watered at the same time. Improving the Soil: The soil is improved to help hold onto water better. This might involve adding materials that can keep the soil moist for longer without needing frequent watering. Mulching: This is about covering the ground around plants with materials like wood chips or gravel. Mulch helps keep the soil cool and moist, and it reduces water evaporation. So, the plants need less watering, which saves water. Xeriscaping is really about working with nature to create beautiful gardens and yards without using a lot of water. |
Sustainable Farming Practices: Reducing Erosion (May 16) |
It's crucial for farmers to engage in sustainable farming practices consistently, not just during drought conditions. By implementing methods such as the use of cover crops, no-till cultivation, and maintaining organic soil matter, farmers can significantly improve water retention and reduce soil erosion. Particularly, the practice of no-till farming and the strategic use of stubble can trap more snow during the winter months, leading to better water absorption. Planting trees and avoiding excessive tree brushing are vital too, as they prevent wind erosion that can dry out the landscape. Shelterbelts, for instance, are instrumental in accumulating more snow over croplands, which directly benefits water conservation. We encourage all residents and our dedicated farmers to consider these sustainable practices not only as a means to conserve water but also to foster a healthier, more resilient environment for generations to come. |
Check your toilets |
Toilets are often the source of unnoticed leaks. Not only are they wasteful, they’re also expensive! A leaky toilet can waste upwards of 1,000 litres of water every day. This equates to almost $500 a year in water costs. Thankfully, as this video shows, discovering a leak is both quick and simple! Lowering your cost-per-flush is another way to save and conserve. According to a report from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), toilets older than 20 years typically flush with 13 to 20 litres of water. Installing a WaterSense® toilet ensures no more than 4.8 litres per flush. If a family of four each flushes the toilet twice daily they could reduce their water bill and usage by more than 70 per cent. |
Run full dishwasher loads |
Handwashing dishes can use upwards of 100 litres of water per load. If you wash breakfast and dinner dishes every day, that adds up to around 73,000 litres of water every year. That number is easily reduceable.
A dishwasher is a better option. Older model dishwashers use upwards of 22 litres of water per load. Assuming one full load per day, your dishwasher would use around 8,030 litres of water every year. That’s 89 per cent less water usage than hand washing. And that number shrinks even more with an efficient dishwasher. As of July 2023, an ENERGY STAR® certified dishwasher cannot use more than 12.11 litres of water per cycle. A daily load now results in only 4,420 litres of water per year. If the you move from hand washing to an efficient dishwasher, you reduce your annual water usage (and costs!) by 94 per cent! |
Make use of mulch |
Use mulch to keep water in the soil and prevent evaporation. Spread mulch around the base of trees, shrubs, perennials and even in your vegetable garden. A good layer of mulch can reduce the your watering needs by up to 55 per cent. Mulch comes in many forms. Some organic options include wood chips, straw and leaves. Inorganic mulches include rock and gravel. Plan to use between three to six inches of mulch to maximize its effectiveness. |
Quick Conservation Tips
If looking for ways to save water, there are small steps that everyone can take:
INDOOR:
- Take shorter (5 minute) showers.
- Fix leaks, including leaky toilets & faucets.
- Fill the sink instead of letting the water run when washing dishes.
- Keep a jug of cool water in the fridge instead of running the tap.
- Use dishwashers and washing machines with full loads only.
OUTDOOR:
- Only water your lawn when necessary. If allowed, water sparingly in the morning or evening (to reduce evaporation).
- Collect and reuse water for outdoor plant use (this could include water from the house and rain barrels).
- Clean outside with a broom instead of a hose.
- Check for leaks in outdoor pipes, faucets and hoses.
- Plant drought-tolerant vegetation, or consider xeriscaping.