Water conservation is a top priority for Rutland Waterworks. Constantly innovating and looking for new, smart ways to conserve water, they have taken a number of important steps to ensure the safety of their water supply. 

As the first water supplier in Kelowna to install water meters, RWD prioritizes monitoring safety and sustainability to RWD's customers and placing regulations on consumption. RWD was also the first water supplier to place regulations on water consumption of customers, including a system that allows odd numbered homes to water only on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday while even numbered homes water only on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. 

How Can You Conserve Water?

Want mental hydration? Think water conservation!

Water conservation is an ongoing mandate of the Rutland Waterworks District. There are water-saving devices we can recommend for use by our customers in the home. Rutland Waterworks is continuing programs to increase efficiency in operation and reliability of long­term, quality water supplies.

General Water Saving Tips

  • Create an awareness of the need for water conversation among your children.
  • Avoid recreational water toys that require a constant stream of water.
  • Stay aware and follow all water conservation and water restrictions that may be in effect in your district.
  • Encourage and educate your friends and neighbors on what it takes to be a part of a water conscious community.
  • Take the time to do one thing each day that will result in a water savings. Every drop counts and every person can make a difference.

Around the House

  • To get hot water faster, plus avoid wasting water while it heats up, you should insulate your pipes.
  • When adjusting water temperatures, rather than turning the water flow up, try turning it down. If the water is too cold or hot, turn the offender down rather than increasing water flow to balance temperatures. 
  • Consider a new water­saving filter for your swimming pool. A single backflush with a traditional filter uses from 175 ­to 250 gallons or more of water.
  • Utilize a pool cover to keep water clean and to reduce evaporation when the pool is not being used.
  • Install aerators on all taps.

In the Kitchen

  • Store a jug of cold water in the fridge for drinking.
  • Thaw frozen meat in the fridge overnight or by using the defrost on the microwave.
  • Instead of rinsing your dishes, you should scrape them before putting them in the dishwasher.
  • Only run the dishwasher when full.
  • Check for leaky taps and appliances.
  • Instead of using a kitchen sink disposal, which requires a lot of water to operate properly, start your own compost pile for your waste.
  • Do not put grease down any drain, as when it cools and hardens, it can cause blockages.

In the Bathroom

  • Shorter showers or baths can help to cut down on water usage in the bathroom, which accounts for about 70% of all household water used.
  • Install water­saving shower heads.
  • Do not use the toilet as a trash can! Throw tissues, feminine products, and other trash in the wastebasket.
  • Only turn on the taps when you need water for shaving or brushing your teeth.
  • Install low flush toilets or water saving devices in toilets.
  • Check for leaky toilets and faucets. A leaky toilet can waste up to 200 gallons a day. To test for a leaky toilet, add some food colouring to the tank and if it shows up in the bowl there is a leak and it should be repaired as soon as possible.

Laundry Room

  • Only wash your clothes when they are dirty.
  • Only run the washing machine when there is a full load, or adjust the water levels to suit the size of the load.
  • Check for leaky taps.

Lawn & Garden

  • Lawns and gardens require only 12 millimeters (1/2 inch) of water per day every other day during warm weather. Less is needed during spring, fall, or cool weather.
  • Water your lawn every 3­5 days, rather than for a short period every day. Apply five millimeters of water for each day since the last watering in warm weather. You can easily measure the amount of water by placing a can or jar in the area being sprinkled. Measure the time required to apply the proper amount of water and use this figure for future sprinkling.
  • Green grass does not need water. Water is required when the grass starts to develop a black tinge along the top. At this stage, when water is applied, recovery will be almost immediate. Blacking does not hurt the grass, browning does.
  • Soil cannot store extra water, so do not over­water in anticipation of a shortage. 
  • Utilize shut­off timers or on­off timers if possible. Do not leave sprinklers on for the entire day.
  • Water during the coolest part of the day, such as early morning or late evening, to prevent water loss due to evaporation. Do not water on windy days.
  • Maintain lawns at a height of 6.5 centimeters (2 1/2 inches).
  • Young or freshly transplanted garden plants need less water, more frequently.
  • Most shrubs and trees need water only once per week, even in warm weather.
  • Use organic matter and mulch covers to retain moisture and prevent evaporation.
  • Reduce car washing or use a commercial car wash that recycles the water. Wash vehicles on the lawn that way the lawn will benefit too, and use a broom rather than a hose to clean sidewalks, driveways, and patios. Hosing down a driveway can waste hundreds of gallons of water.
  • Don’t leave your hose unattended. Your garden hose can pour out 600 gallons in only a few hours, so don't leave the sprinkler running all day. You can use a kitchen timer to remind yourself to turn it off.

Automatic Sprinklers

  • Schedule appropriately, taking soil type, slope, water pressure, varieties planted, and the requirements of your water supplier into account.
  • Water only when needed.
  • Check regularly for leaks and breakage.
  • To avoid overlap and wasteful watering of roadways and sidewalks, adjust sprinkler head pressure.
  • Most importantly, override the 'automatic' system with common sense, especially during periods of rain.