15 Ways to Conserve Water and Runoff Water

As water flows over and through your yard, contaminants and debris – such as fertilizers, pesticides, sediments, toxins and bacteria – are carried into receiving waters.

It is often the cumulative effect of several sources and pollutants that adversely impact the environment.

Homeowners and gardeners can help prevent and control such pollution by limiting yard runoff and making sure it is clean: Limit the use of pesticides and fertilizers. (Dispose of leftover pesticides and fertilizers at an approved collection centre. Check with your municipal authorities.)

• Use natural approaches to control pests.
• Compost kitchen waste and use it as an alternative to commercial fertilizers.
• Don’t over-water lawns and gardens. One inch of water per week during the hottest part of the summer is all that is required in most parts of B.C.
• Sweep driveways and lawns – don’t spray them with a hose.
• Use pervious materials for constructing driveways and walks (rather than concrete or pavement) to increase filtration and decrease runoff.
• Select plants with low watering and fertilizing requirements.
• Mulch your lawn clippings to reduce the need to fertilize.
• Clean up after your pets. Pet wastes contain nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorus, and disease-causing bacteria and pathogens that can contaminate surface waters.

15 Ways to Conserve Water
1. Test your soil. Add organic material to soil to help increase absorption and water retention.
2. Group plants according to their water needs.
3. Plant lawns only in areas of high use or visibility and use drought-resistant grasses.
4. Place an earth basin around trees and shrubs to help hold water.
5. Plant slopes with plants that will retain water and help reduce runoff.
6. Plant trees to help provide cooling shade and reduce evaporation.
7. Use chip trails or interlocking paving stones to reduce runoff and increase water retention in the soil.
8. Plant more drought-tolerant plants and try using more native plants.
9. Use a drip irrigation system to deliver just the right amount of water directly to roots.
10. Reduce evaporation by watering in the early morning or in the early evening.
11. Install timers so watering systems run only in the early morning and/or for a set length of time.
12. Deep water once or twice a week. This is more efficient and better for the plants than regular quick waterings.
13. Use rain barrels or cisterns to collect runoff water from your roof or driveway for use in the garden.
14. Cut your lawn high (5 - 8 cm) to allow root shading, and do not rake the cuttings.
15. Apply a layer of mulch or compost on the soil around shrubs and trees to help retain moisture and moderate soil temperature.


Source: Water Management Branch, BC Ministry of Water, Land & Air Protection.

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