It's Canada Rivers Day this week!
Did you know that in the Okanagan and Similkameen, the waterbirch-dogwood plant community that once surrounded our creeks and rivers has been lost by almost 90% of its historical ranges? These habitats help keep our water clean and healthy, so it's critical to conserve and restore them.
Okay, so that wasn't the most "fun" fact... but what can you do about it?
Learn about various water challenges around the world by watching the Okanagan WaterWise and AquaHacking's virtual screening of “BRAVE BLUE WORLD”! This film tells the story of people and projects around the world, tackling water contamination, wastewater, water scarcity, and more.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AS SCREENING NUMBERS ARE LIMITED.
Register here: http://ow.ly/VmpV50A4hvN
What can you do to help with water conservation in your home and yard? Check out a few of Okanagn Waterwise's tips below:
Put water on the nightshift. Water between dusk and dawn.
Putting water to work during the coolest part of the day prevents evaporation. A good rule of thumb is between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Check for watering restrictions in your area. And don’t let water waste time, effort and money! It should sprinkle your lawn or garden, not pavement.
Pair water with plants suitable to our dry climate.
Okanagan water works best when paired with plants suitable to our dry climate, like drought-tolerant turf mix, and native plant species.
To find plants suitable for your yard and garden, visit okanaganxeriscape.org/db.
Leave grass 2-3 inches tall (5-8cm). One inch of water a week will do.
Never mow low. Let it grow! Water stays longer when grass is longer. Leaving your grass a bit longer will slow evaporation from the soil. Most lawns need just 2.5cm (one inch) of water per week — about the depth of a tuna can. Watering deeply and less often promotes deep, healthy root growth.
Collect and use rainwater. It’s free! Rainbarrels collect fresh, naturally soft and chemical-free water that is great for container plants, flower beds, and food gardens.
Keep your water clean
We all live downstream from someone. What your upstream neighbours put down their drain could end up in your water system. And what you put down your drain could affect your downstream neighbour. Medications and chemicals, like harsh cleaners and paints, should not be flushed down the toilet or washed down the drain. Instead, take unused medications to a pharmacy, and take chemicals to appropriate disposal locations.