Save Water Outdoors

Quick Facts Affordability Cost Savings CO2 Reduction		Being water wise in your outdoor water use can save hundreds of litres of water each year. In B.C., we can take advantage of the higher rainfall averages to help us reduce the overall amount of water needed to maintain our gardens and lawns throughout the year. We can also collect this rain to reduce the amount of potable water used. If you have a pool or hot tub, implementing efficiency measures could lead to significant energy savings. Affordability Many of the ways to save water outdoors are relatively simple, but may involve planning for your garden and lawn. Plant drought-resistance plants and shrubs, be mindful of watering techniques that take into account weather conditions and local water regulations and set timers for ease and efficiency. Cost savings The most cost-effective energy savings measures outdoors are to reduce heat loss by insulating the pool or hot tub all around and having a good cover that is put on when not in use. This can save anywhere from 10-25% of the energy loss. Environmental considerations More than 40% of residential treated drinking water is used outdoors. Collecting rainwater reduces consumption of drinking water during the drier summer months.

What you need to know

Basic watering tips for your garden

• Water your garden early in the morning to avoid evaporation and scorched leaves.
• Use a drip irrigation system instead of sprinklers. The drip system allows water to go directly to the plants’ roots, which promotes a stronger root system and better drought resistance.
• If you use sprinklers, set them up properly so they are watering the plants, not the driveway or patio.
• Set timers for the sprinklers so they are not running continuously.
• If you use a hose to water, make sure to use one with a shut off nozzle.
• Install an outdoor water-saving water gun spray head, mechanical timer, hose washers and sprinkler gauge. In Vancouver, you can purchase the outdoor water kit for $12.
• Use a rain barrel to collect rainwater. For best results, make sure to set up your rain barrel properly.
• Add mulch around your plants to help retain moisture and keep plants cool during the summer and protect against frost in the winter.

Watering your lawn

• Let your lawn go brown during the summer months. A sprinkler uses up to 1,300 litres of drinking water per hour. If you must water, make sure not to overwater your lawn. This damages the health of the lawn. Mature lawns only need about 2.5 cm of water per week to survive. Place an empty tuna can where you are sprinkling. When it fills up, you know that you are done watering. Here in B.C., relying on natural rainfall is often all you need to maintain your lawn during most seasons.
• Let your grass grow a little longer. This allows the roots to be more shaded so that they hold water better. Set your mower blades to 5-8 cm.
• Leave lawn clippings on the lawn to reduce moisture loss.
• Follow all municipal water restrictions.
• Use compost. Spreading compost on the lawn will provide natural nutrients and increase its moisture retention ability.

Improve the efficiency of your swimming pool, spa or hot tub

• Swimming pools, spas and hot tubs can be big energy users, especially if you keep your water warm in cold weather. If you own a swimming pool, the energy consumption can account for 60% of your summer bills. Aside from devices that monitor your pool’s temperature, components such as pumps and filters also consume energy.
• Use a floating swimming pool cover. Evaporation typically causes the largest loss of energy in a swimming pool. A pool cover helps minimize evaporation, which will save you energy. Ensure the pool is covered at night to reduce your pool heater’s operating time. Remove the cover when it’s sunny outside to take advantage of solar heating. Using a solar pool cover can further your energy costs by heating your pool naturally.
• Choose a rigid insulation cover for your hot tub. Rigid foam insulating covers are appropriate for hot tubs due to the high water temperature. Insulation of at least RSI 2.1 (R12) is recommended. An electrically heated hot tub will cost about $685 to operate annually if uncovered, compared to $140 for the year with an R12 cover.
• Keep it clean. Ensure your filter remains clear of debris so that it can operate efficiently. A fence around your pool will help prevent debris from entering the pool and act as a windbreak to reduce the rate of evaporation.
• Regardless of your pump system, make sure it is energy-efficient. An efficiency level of at least 82 is recommended.
• Consider running your pool pump less. Reducing the operating hours of your pool pump can be a great way to save energy, although you need to ensure that the water is circulated enough to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Running your pool pump for approximately eight to 12 hours a day should maintain sufficient filtration.
• Do not turn the temperature for your hot tub higher than 39ºC (102ºF). Keep a thermometer in the water to make sure your system is functioning correctly.
• Keep your pool temperature at 26ºC (78ºF). Raising it only a few degrees can add up to hundreds of dollars more per year on heating costs.
• If your hot tub is old, look into replacing the motor with a newer, energy-efficient model.
• Do not splash water unnecessarily out of the spa or pool. New replacement water will cost more to heat and you will need more chemicals.
• If you are leaving town, reduce the temperature of your pool or spa to save energy while you are gone.

Other ways to reduce water use outdoors

• Prevent polluted run-off from entering our local water sources by sweeping driveways and sidewalks instead of pressure-washing them. Doing so also saves a significant amount of water.
• Wash your car at a commercial car wash instead of washing it at home. Doing this will not only save you hundreds of litres of water per wash, but also prevent pollutants like oil, gas and residue from exhaust fumes from entering storm drains. Better yet, look for an environmentally-friendly car wash in your area.
• If you do wash your car at home, use a bucket and a hose with a shut off nozzle. It is also very important to use a pH-neutral cleaning agent that is biodegradable and phosphate-free to prevent harmful cleaning chemicals from being discharged into the storm drains and entering our waterways.

Taking it further

Consider xeriscaping your yard. Xeriscaping [PDF] is a form of landscaping that promotes water conservation and reduced maintenance by planting plants, trees and shrubs that require less water.

Solar pool heating systems

If you own a pool, consider installing a solar pool heating system. Doing so can extend your swimming season and reduce monthly fuel bills, without depleting non-renewable resources such as fossil fuels.

Over a 15-year period, you could spend five times or more on heating your pool with gas what you would spend on installing a solar heater today. Once your solar system is installed, there are no more heating bills to pay.

Five good reasons for using solar heating

(from Natural Resources Canada’s  An Introduction to Solar Pool Heating Systems)

No. 1: Solar saves on pool heating costs

In the last two years, the price of natural gas has more than doubled. On the other hand, the sun's energy is free.

Over a 15-year period, you could spend five times or more on heating with gas what you would spend on installing a solar heater today. Once your solar system is installed, there are no more heating bills to pay.

Many pool owners switch to solar because it meets all of their heating needs. But even if you continue to use a gas or electric heater as a backup, solar is a smart investment that will save you money year after year.

No. 2: Solar extends your swimming season

Whether or not you have an existing heater, you can keep your pool warmer and open longer with free energy from the sun.

In most areas of Canada, a solar heater used in combination with a solar pool cover can add two to four weeks to the beginning and end of the swimming season. You get a longer swimming season for free.

No. 3: Solar equipment is durable

Solar equipment often lasts longer than gas or electric heaters. With proper yearly maintenance, you can expect fuel heaters to last seven to 10 years. Most gas heaters have a two-year warranty and well-made heat pumps carry a two-year warranty with five-year warranty on the compressors. Solar panels have a minimum 10-year warranty and generally last 15 to 20 years or longer.

No. 4: Solar requires less maintenance

Unlike gas and electric heaters, which should be serviced by a technician every year, a solar heater requires very little servicing. Again, that means less cost and less hassle for the pool owner.

No. 5: Solar energy is good for the environment

These days, we hear a lot about the damaging effect that burning fossil fuels is having on the environment. Burning fuels releases nitrogen oxides that cause the formation of smog in urban areas. Using solar energy instead of fossil fuels can help reduce this smog.

Burning fuels also releases carbon dioxide, the main cause of climate change. Replacing a natural gas or propane heater with a solar heater could stop three to 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere each season. That's about the same amount produced by operating your car for one year!