VICTORIA - The Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection is urging residents to conserve water as stream flows drop in the southern interior.

Unusually low precipitation during the past year has created acute water-supply issues throughout the Okanagan Region, and impacts from water shortages can be significant ­ not only for humans, but also for fish.

Conserve water. That's the message the ministry is getting out to residents and industries in the Okanagan. The combination of low rainfall and high water consumption is already leading to low stream flows. If the recent weather trend continues and water is not adequately conserved, all water users will be impacted.

Reducing unnecessary water use is an essential step in maintaining our supply. Conserving water use does not mean we have to do without, however. The average household consumes up to 360 litres ofwater per day, 65 per cent of this water use is in the bathroom.Below is a list of handy tips that will save hundreds of litres of water each week. 

* Only flush the toilet when necessary and avoid using the toilet as a wastebasket.

* Fix leaks in the toilet and tap. (An estimated 40 per cent of all toilets leak. To test for leaks, put two or three drops of food colouring in the tank and wait a few minutes. If the colour shows up in the bowl, there's a leak).

* Place plastic bags or bottles filled with water inside the toilet tank to reduce the amount of water used to flush. (Adjust the amount so the toilet still functions properly).

* Use a water-saving shower attachment.

* Take shorter showers and turn the water off when you brush your teeth.

* Keep a bottle of drinking water in the fridge rather than running the tap to get cold water for each individual cup.  

Contact:

Liz Bicknell
Director of Communications
250 387-9973